North political landscape redrawn as third of MPs quit
Jul 8 2009 by William Green, The Journal
A third of our MPs are quitting at the next election. Political editor William Green looks at the changing political landscape in North East
Dr Farr predicted the Lib Dems could make further “progress” – although Tory leader David Cameron’s impact outside the South East has been limited.
There will be lots of “three-way” constituency battles, he added.
But the region will lose many experienced MPs at the same time, including Hexham’s Tory MP Peter Atkinson and former Cabinet Minister Hilary Armstrong in North West Durham.
Lord Foster, a former Bishop Auckland MP and Labour Chief Whip, was upbeat about how new MPs would perform as long as they worked hard.
“You are young and enthusiastic and full of vigour and excitement. And that is occasionally better than wisdom and experience,” said Lord Foster.
Tory Shadow Minister for Tyneside Alan Duncan expressed hope for a breakthrough.
“Clearly, this is mostly because of their age more than anything else. But I hope it means people will look afresh at who represents them and give the Conservative candidates the chance to prove themselves.
“These changes and increasing media coverage of our efforts in the North show we are in with a chance of changing the balance in the region,” said Mr Duncan.
Lib Dem Ron Beadle is fighting the Newcastle North seat, which Labour MP Doug Henderson has announced he will not fight at the next election.
Mr Henderson, 60, said it was time for a younger person to fight for the seat but has come under fire because his main home is in Scotland and he receives £25,000 a year for a job outside the Commons working for McDonald’s.
Mr Beadle said: “It is going to be difficult in every seat and it depends on the reputation of the previous MP. I think Mr Henderson’s position was untenable.”
