Paul Harrod Tipped As Next MP (Paul Harrod)

Paul Harrod Tipped As Next MP

February 15, 2007 12:00 AM

Local Liberal Democrats have chosen hard working Paul Harrod to be their Prospective Member of Parliament at the next General Election. Horfield will then be part of the new marginal Bristol North West seat.

Paul, 30, is married to Natasha and the couple have three young children. He grew up in northwest Bristol and is well-known in the city for setting up the charity Aspire which helps homeless people get off the streets and into work. Today, Paul works as a manager at the University of Bristol.

"I am looking forward to campaigning hard for the area where I grew up and which I know so well," said Paul. "I live and work locally, which will make it easier for me to get to grips with the issues and to support residents. I've already had a chance to meet several hundred people in Horfield while doing my door-to-door survey."

The new Bristol North West constituency is made up of the wards of Horfield, Avonmouth, Kingsweston, Henbury, Westbury, Stoke Bishop, Henleaze, Southmead and Lockleaze.

With the Labour Party in freefall, they are not expected to be challenging strongly for the seat, despite the fact that some people living in the area have a Labour MP at the moment. They have chosen a London lawyer to be their candidate.

The Conservatives have held no Parliamentary seats in Bristol for the past ten years and are a marginal force in the city. They have chosen a candidate who works for a Tory MP and lives in London too.

Stephen Williams, Lib Dem MP for neighbouring Bristol West, said, "Paul would make an excellent addition to Parliament. I have been very impressed with his commitment, enthusiasm and warmth."