Under-fire MP thanks colleagues for patience in his maiden speech
JARED O’MARA thanked MPs for their patience as he spoke for the first time in the House of Commons chamber since being elected in June 2017.
The independent MP for Sheffield Hallam used his maiden speech to tell of his “pride” in representing disabled people, as he said he was Parliament’s “very first autistic MP, as well as having cerebral palsy and other disabilities”.
And he spoke of what can be learned from the teachings of Jesus, saying he “forgave those who truly repented”.
Mr O’Mara was suspended as a Labour MP over sexist and homophobic comments before quitting the party, claiming he had been unfairly treated.
He told the Commons: “Mr Speaker, thank you – in fact, everybody thank you, you’ve all been terribly patient.
“I’m delighted today to finally be able to make my maiden speech as the MP for the constituency where I grew up, Sheffield Hallam.
“I was elected a year ago as Hallam’s first Labour MP but due to mistakes I made when I was young, and for which I am truly sorry have hurt a lot of people, I’ve been unable to speak in the House with confidence until now.”
Mr O’Mara’s maiden speech lasted for four minutes, and while MPs usually gather around their newly elected colleague for the occasion, he stood alone at the end of the rear opposition bench.
He delivered the speech during a general debate in which MPs can raise any matter they want ahead of the summer recess.
Mr O’Mara said it was “an honour” to have the chance to “represent our country’s disabled people in addition to serving my constituents”.
And he paid tribute to his Liberal Democrat predecessor Sir Nick Clegg for his “admirable and steadfast belief in the value of our membership in the European Union” and commitment to multiculturalism, noting he shared both of these.
Mr O’Mara said he was “very proud” to call Sheffield home.