Ex-QA nurse and News writer standing for election in Spain
A former nurse at QA Hospital and correspondent of The News has become the first British citizen to stand for election in the autonomous Basque Country in Spain
Richard Lewington, the chairman of the Madrid branch of Conservatives Abroad, has been named as the fifth candidate for the Partido Popular list for Oñati municipal council.
The former North End resident, who was The News’ music and nightlife correspondent, moved to the town in 2007 and worked as a freelance correspondent and English teacher.
‘I am extremely proud to be part of Ricardo Guisado Balanzategui’s list and to be running for office in Oñati,’ he said, saying he would look at ways of promoting links between the town and Portsmouth
if elected.
‘If elected, I will work tirelessly to support our small businesses, improve public services, and promote cross-cultural understanding,’ he said. ‘I am also eager to support the town’s candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.
‘I would love to explore ways for Portsmouth and Oñati residents to visit each other’s towns by leveraging the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry link to do so.’
Elections in Oñati take place on Sunday, May 28.
*Sir Keir Starmer asked Rishi Sunak who he thinks ‘he has actually got a mandate from’ after accusing him of losing ‘everywhere’ in the local elections.
The Labour leader and the Prime Minister clashed at PM’s Questions which was being held for the first time since last week’s local elections in England.
The Tories lost more than 1,000 councillors – including five each in Portsmouth and Havant - and control of 48 councils overall, whereas Labour picked up 500 seats.
Sir Keir said of the PM: ‘Given his track record, who does he think he’s actually got a mandate from?’
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak branded the Labour leader ‘Sir Flakey’ and accused him of being ‘busy plotting coalitions’.
Sir Keir has so far refused to rule out a coalition with the Lib Dems if they fail to win a majority at the next general election.
The rest of the exchange saw the Labour leader pressing the PM on the cost-ofliving crisis and the UK economy.