Yesterday, David Chidgey, victor of the Eastleigh by-election in 1994 died at the age of 79. He remained MP until 2005 and became a life peer when he left the Commons.
During his time as MP he served as spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Transport and Employment.
We are so sad that our own David Chidgey died peacefully earlier today following a period of illness. A good man, and a formidable campaigner, he won a stunning by-election in Eastleigh in 1994 and spoke passionately on a range of issues in both the Commons &Lords. RIP, kind sir. pic.twitter.com/QRl4H33EEn
— Lib Dem Lords (@LibDemLords) February 15, 2022
Ee Davey paid tribute to David:
David Chidgey brought a warmth and energy to politics few could match. From his 1994 Eastleigh by-election triumph to his recent work on protecting chalk streams, he will be greatly missed by our party and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) February 15, 2022
As did LGA Lib Dems
David Chidgey, the former councillor and MP for Eastleigh has died.
He was best remembered for his stunning by election win in 1994 when the Lib Dems took the seat from the Tories. Another loss to the local government family 🥲 @EastleighLD pic.twitter.com/IjWsp3ExDf— LGA Lib Dems (@libdemlocalgov) February 15, 2022
Our leader in the Lords Dick Newby talked about how he was still campaigning, right to the end of his life;
David Chidgey remained campaigning to the end – latterly to protect Hampshire’s chalk streams. A very loyal and dedicated colleague. https://t.co/zCRdG96wyp
— Dick Newby (@RichardNewby3) February 15, 2022
Last September, the Romsey Advertiser described his work to strengthen the Environment Bill
Lord Chidgey confirmed he tabled an amendment calling for Government to have a statutory duty to protect and restore our chalk streams and rivers, with the drive, commitment, and funding needed to reverse wanton damage caused over decades.
He stressed a major cause has been domestic sewage pollution. But a prime culprit is still nitrate and phosphate run-off from agriculture into streams and rivers.
Other causes are low water flow because of over-abstraction run-off from roads
“Only 14 per cent of our rivers in England meet the standards of good ecological status.” said Lord Chidgey.
“International standards have been set out, and agreed, but interventions have failed to drive the changes needed to save many of our freshwater species from the risk of extinction.
He has grown concerned about the damage to once-pristine rivers such as the Itchen and Test through modern farming and development.
Lord Chidgey called on the Government to adopt the recommendations in the multi-agency chalk stream restoration groups report, supported by the Angling Trust, calling for clear, unambiguous protected status.
We send our condolences to his wife April and their family.
Please feel free to share your memories of David in the comments.
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5 Comments
Back in 1995 our Town Council organised a 4000+ signature petition for a bypass around our town and I was one of a delegation of three councillors (all Lib Dem) to take copies of that petition to each of the main political parties. Unfortunately, because our Tory MP refused to back us, copies were only delivered to representatives of the opposition parties. The Lib Dems chose David Chidgey MP, who met us in the Houses of Parliament and received a copy of our petition. He made us very welcome. What a nice, friendly man. I am sad at his passing.
PS We are still waiting for that town bypass, although it’s apparently still party of the local plan.
What sad news! David was a larger than life character filled with kindness, curiosity, deep knowledge of our political system and of the much wider world. He regaled me with hilarious and chilling stories of his work in West Africa and other far flung places. Among his many hats, he was a patron of the Treloar Trust, the school and college in Hampshire for special needs children. Thoughts are with April and the family.
Chidge was such a nice guy and good colleague. Also a very effective Parliamentarian. He leaves a fine legacy.
As chief reporter for the southern daily echo l covered David’s stunning Eastleigh By Election and got to know him well over the years. Always approachable and he cared passionately about his community. When he was an MP and in the Lords he arranged for me and my youngest son to visit Parliament. He was the perfect host and gave a wonderful insight into the workings of the Lord’s.He will be greatly missed
My condolences to his family..RIP David
Many thanks for posting my comment on Lord Chidgey
Is it possible please to add my name to the tribute, many thanks , Duncan Eaton