Who is South Norwich’s new MP?
Simon Wright is the new MP for Norwich South. The 30 year old Liberal Democrat lives in Eaton, and has spent over 3 years campaigning to win the seat. He won by a whisker, unseating the former Labour Home Secretary Charles Clarke by just 310 votes. He’s heading for Westminster but will he be good for south Norwich?”
Simon Wright joined Norman Lamb to work on his campaign to win North Norfolk in 2005, where he swept to victory. In 2006 the former teacher was selected to run for the Liberal Democrats here in Norwich South and began his campaign to win the seat from Charles Clarke. The Liberal Democrats had narrowed Charles Clarke’s majority to around 3,000 votes, but came second here in 2005. Simon Wright threw himself at the task and worked hard with his team to get the break-through he got.
A handwritten letter from Simon Wright was delivered to many homes in south Norwich on the eve of the election. In it he explained how he is “determined to fight for a better deal for our area. Over the last few years, I’ve campaigned against Labour’s post office closures, fought to preserve green spaces and called for more investment in local schools. As MP, I would have more influence over the issues that matter to all of us locally…”
He’s pledged to be a fulltime MP, not taking on other employments while serving in Westminster, unlike his predecesor.
When asked what you get from a Lib Dem constituency MP, Baroness Shirley Williams, who came to support Simon Wright’s campaign, said: “Lib Dem MPs work their guts out…, partly because they know they need to work hard to hold their seats… If you’re the Norman Lambs of this world… you work yourself silly, because you’ve got to show people that’s what an MP ought to be and that’s what you are.”
Simon Wright correctly predicted it would be a photo-finish between the Lib Dems and Labour on the night. Charles Clarke had put £10 on at the bookies to win, but this time lost out. But Simon Wright only has a very slim majority, something which traditionally makes an MP very hard working on its own.
Comment
