Simon Wright - A Champion for Norwich South

Simon Wright, a former high school maths teacher, is the Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Norwich South. Simon has also worked as full time Agent of Norman Lamb MP, and is a former local councillor in Norfolk.

Simon is married Rosalind, who works at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich.

Parliamentary Spokesperson for Norwich South

The Liberal Democrats finished in strong second place last time in Norwich South, just 3,653 votes behind Labour MP Charles Clarke, and the seat is a top target for the party at the next election. Simon Wright will stand as the Liberal Democrat candidate at the next election, which has been described by the Eastern Daily Press as a potential 'David and Goliath' contest.

"It would be a great honour to represent the city in which I live in Parliament," says Simon. "After coming close second place last year, I know we have a real opportunity to win here at the next general election."

"I will be campaigning against council tax, which is an unfair tax as it takes no account of ability to pay. It hits those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners, the hardest. It must go."

"I will also be speaking up on environmental issues. Here in Norfolk, we are on the frontline of climate change and rising sea-levels, and the Liberal Democrats have the most radical policies of all the main parties to tackle these problems. We would reduce national taxes on income and on those who live in an environmentally friendly way, and instead tax polluting behaviour."

Background

Simon was brought up on a farm in North Tuddenham near Dereham, Norfolk. He has one brother, Peter, who also lives in Norwich and who is a drum teacher, playing in several local bands.

Simon attended a local state school, Dereham Neatherd High, before studying for an honours BSc degree in Mathematics at Imperial College London. After graduating, Simon remained in London for a further year to study at Kings College London, completing a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in mathematics.

Other than studying, Simon was also a keen musician playing bass guitar and producing music with a variety of bands.

Simon returned to Norfolk in 2002 and took up a secondary mathematics teaching post. He was elected as a district councillor in North Norfolk, and later accepted a post working with North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb. Now living in Eaton with his wife Rosalind, Simon is the Parliamentary Spokesperson for Norwich South Liberal Democrats.

Local Government Experience

Simon already has experience of representation. He was elected to serve Fakenham on North Norfolk District Council, taking up a wide range of issues raised with him by local people including planning developments in the town, housing issues, and very local concerns such as broken pavements.

Soon after his election, Simon was elected by Lib Dem Councillors across the East of England to serve a 2 year term on the East of England Regional Assembly Europe and International Affairs Panel.

Simon also served as a member of the District Council's planning committee.

Working With Norman Lamb

Simon is the former agent for North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb, with responsibility for the campaign which saw Norman returned to parliament in 2005 with a majority increased by more than 10,000 votes.

Simon continues to work closely with Norman Lamb: together they are campaigning on issues such as fighting post office closures, getting a better deal for Norfolk schools, and addressing healthcare issues in the county.