Predecessor wins praise

INCOMING Labour MP for Weaver Vale Mike Amesbury praised his predecessor during his maiden speech in the House Of Commons.

Mr Amesbury, whose constituency encompasses much of east Runcorn, Daresbury, Frodsham and Northwich, said he wanted to‘acknowledge’ the work Mr Evans had done during his seven-year tenure.

He mentioned Mr Evans’s chairmanship of the all-party beer group, his encouragement for other MPs to take up running and his multiple completions of the London Marathon to raise charity cash.

Mr Amesbury later went on to slate the Government over the rise of foodbanks, ‘insecure’ employment and zero-hour contracts.

Paying tribute to his forebear, he said: “I want first to acknowledge the work that my predecessor, Graham Evans, did for the constituents of Weaver Vale during his seven years in office.

“Graham’s contribution to parliamentary life was richly diverse.

“He both chaired the all-party group on beer and encouraged many hon. Members to take up running, although I am assured that this did not involve running in the direction of the bar.

“Graham completed the London marathon many times, raising a great deal of money for good causes both local and national, and he encouraged many members from all parts of the house to do likewise.

“I wish Graham and his family well in the future.”