Many thanks to VB reader Crossbencher for submitting this article. Ed
The County Press has revealed our MP’s ambitions post 2015 (or whenever the next general election may be) in its article suggesting how the Island could be divided into two parliamentary constituencies (25 February, 2011).
Those among us who were speculating Andrew Turner might not seek re-election for a fourth term would have been delighted/disappointed by this quote in last Friday’s paper: “….if I am fortunate enough to be elected again, I look forward to working with another MP of whatever party”.
Unequivocal
He could not be more unequivocal and if he (and his rock, Carole) soldier on to 2020 he will be the second-longest serving MP for the Island, having first been elected in 2001. At each subsequent general election, 2005 and 2010 he increased his majority.
Sir Peter McDonald was the longest serving, the Tory MP from 1924 to 1959.
Speculative map
The paper also published a speculative map which, in the interests of political neutrality, it coloured purple and pink – purple for the area including Newport, the two Cowes and Ryde – and pink for the rest of the Island, including the West Wight, Ventnor and Sandown Bay.
Now you might think Mr Turner would choose to stand in the rural (pink) area and avoid the larger towns where the LibDems and Labour are stronger. But could he really stand in a ‘pink constituency’ when his voting record opposing equal rights for gays is so well documented?
Image: fmoya under CC BY-SA 2.0
