Phil Willis, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has today announced that he will not stand at the next General Election.
In a letter to members and supporters Phil thanked them for all their hard work and dedication, culminating in his election in 1997, 2001 and 2005.
He said:
“I believe that together we have made Harrogate and Knaresborough a better place to live and work and literally thousands of individuals have benefited from having a dedicated parliamentary service at their disposal. There have been few causes, large or small, that have not been championed and few organisations that have not received a visit or letter to recognise their contribution to our society.”
Phil Willis was a front bench spokesperson on Education for eight years and is now Select Committee Chair of Science and Technology.
He also said:
“After 19 years as Councillor, Leader of the Council and Member of Parliament I have made the decision that I will not be seeking re-election at the next General Election. It has always been my aim to bow out of front line politics at the top and when I am doing the job as I want to do it.”
Menzies Campbell, Leader of the Liberal Democrats said:
“Phil Willis has been a much valued colleague and friend since he was elected to the House of Commons.
“His direct, no-nonsense analysis of political issues has been an abiding characteristic, together with his eloquent and tireless advocacy on behalf of his constituents
“At Westminster he has acquired a reputation for common sense and commitment. In the chair of the Select Committee on Science and Technology he has provided outstanding leadership on discussion of many complex scientific and moral issues.”
At the last election Phil Willis obtained a 10,429 (24%) majority.
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7 Comments
A great loss from the Parliamentary Party 🙁
Indeed!
There will be a lot of new faces (hopefully!) for the Lib Dems in the next Parliament – I hope members in Harrogate take the opportunity to select someone of real quality to succeed him.
The Tories are going backwards in Harrogate, so clearly our local team are doing something right!
Sorry to see that Phil is going. He has been a tremendous MP for H&K and was a very effective councillor before that.
I produced Phil’s first constituency newspapers back in 1995 (I think!) and was delighted to see him defeat Norman Lamont in 1997.
Good luck to Phil in whatever he decides to do next.
Sorry to hear Phil’s going, I guess this might mean the tories will target it next time. I imagine there’ll be a lot of Lib Dems after this seat…maybe i’ll put my name down…probably not.
Perhaps this might put a few ideas in the head of the ‘sitting tenant’ in Lewes !
I terrible shame.
A great guy – will be sorely missed in the party.