Forget privileged background for MPs

SUE Cassidy poses the question is it right that any one family should have more than one MP. Right or wrong, it often happens.

The great Sir Winston Churchill being an example. The name continues in parliament today, I believe a Mr Soames is also related.

I feel it is no different from other examples of offspring following in father’s footsteps.

We often see names above the door like Steptoe and Son. As to an aspiring MP from deepest Cornwall, Devon or Dorset can find success, I suggest we look at MPs for St Austell over the years.

In late 60s a Mr Piers Dixon was Conservative MP for the constituency.

I am not familiar with his family circumstances, but do not think he was of the landed gentry persuasion.

He was followed by local-born David Penhaligon, Lib-Dem the postmaster at Chacewater until elected.

Then came Matthew Taylor, also Lib-Dem, now Lord Taylor of Goss. Both these men served as party spokesman on almost every subject between them, then came Stephen Gilbert, another Lib Dem, also born Cornish and not landed gentry.

Our current MP is Steve Double, who is the son of middle-class parents and proprietor of a substantial business until he gave up to become an MP.

Having know all these men I can assure everyone that although readers may support another party, none of these MPs are or were “in it for their own ends”.

But the best answer to Sue Cassidy’s question is the MP for (High) Wycombe.

Born at Penrice Hospital St

Austell. Son of a carpenter and post office counter clerk (who became an accountant), state educated at local schools and college, followed by service with RAF, including obtaining a degree at Southampton University in Aeronautics, (The electronic systems in aircraft) .

On leaving the RAF, he worked in a software manufacturing firm. This was followed by obtaining an MSc in computer programming at Oxford and financial forecasting for a multi national bank.

Following election to the Wycombe constituency,as Conservative, he rose to become Under Secretary of State for Leaving European Union.

So a local boy can rise to government position. Steve Baker. I know, because I am that carpenter!

Mike Baker St Austell, Cornwall