The Labour MP who won back a 'red wall' seat from the Tories in this week's by-election is a proud Sand Dancer who has talked about growing up in poverty in South Shields.
Simon Lightwood promised the people of Wakefield he will stand up for them amid "not acceptable" poverty levels, after being elected their new MP. The NHS worker is originally from South Tyneside and went to a comprehensive school in South Shields before moving to the Wakefield area to study.
He said: “Tonight, the people of Wakefield have spoken on behalf of the British people. They have said unreservedly: ‘Boris Johnson, your contempt for this country is no longer tolerated.’
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“It’s not acceptable that a quarter of our children in Wakefield live in poverty, it’s not acceptable that hundreds of people leave A&E every month without being treated because of record NHS waiting times, and it’s not acceptable that convictions for crimes like robbery have fallen by almost half in the past five years.
“People in Wakefield and across the country are sick of the deceit and dishonesty of this Government.”
Who is Simon Lightwood?
Simon Lightwood is Labour's newest MP. He won the Wakefield seat in a by-election on Thursday, June 23, 2022, clinching a 'red wall' constituency back from the Tories, who won it in 2019.
Originally from South Shields, Mr Lightwood lived and worked in Wakefield, Yorkshire, for 10 years, having also studied in the town at Bretton College.
He has spoken of his pride in being a 'Sand Dancer' from South Shields, and his affinity for Wakefield. As well as the NHS, Mr Lightwood has worked for a previous Wakefield Labour MP, Mary Creagh.
Where is new Labour MP Simon Lightwood from?
Mr Lightwood is originally from South Shields. As a child whose family relied on benefits to get by, the family home was repossessed, forcing them to move to his gran's house.
He told The Northern Agenda political newsletter: "I have strong memories of file demands landing through the letterbox and parents trying to shield us from that but visibly upset.
"And eventually our house was repossessed, and there were no council houses available at the time. And so we ended up moving into my gran's house, there were seven of us in this tiny two-bedroom house.
"And that was tough. That was tough. I remember in my bedroom was myself my Nana and my auntie and my sister, as a 13-year-old boy it's not ideal.
"But I guess the reason why I mentioned that is because there are hundreds of people in Wakefield going through exactly the same kind of challenges now in this cost of living crisis, I think it's really important as a candidate that I have a deep understanding of that.
"I'm not just saying the words, I've lived it, I've walked in their shoes. And I think that really resonates with the voters and having that trust in someone that has been through similar challenges to what they face now."
During his campaign run, Mr Lightwood tweeted about his experience growing up in South Shields, as he pledged to fight for those in poverty.
He wrote: "I know the cost of living crisis is hitting families across Wakefield hard.
"I grew up in poverty and at one stage was made homeless. I know how tough it can be for people and how important it is to have someone who understands and will fight your corner."
He told the Mirror: “I was on free school meals. People just really want someone to help them and someone to give them a voice again, they've had nobody representing this area for over a year, and they want something to stick up for them. And that's what I intend to do."
Mr Lightwood has spoken of his pride about being from South Shields. He told followers on Twitter that he was pleased with Little Mix's X-Factor success, thanks in part to Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards being fellow "Sand Dancers", and praised comedian Sarah Millican.
Mr Lightwood has also recalled working at the fun fair for "£1 an hour" and attending retirement parties in South Shields for his former King George V Comprehensive teachers.
What is Simon Lightwood's connection to Wakefield?
Mr Lightwood first moved to Wakefield to attend Bretton College. He decided to stay in the town, working for the NHS and also a previous Labour MP.
He told prospective voters: "I moved to Wakefield to study and loved it so much I stayed, met my partner and bought my first home here.
"I am proud to be your Labour candidate. I’m determined to showcase our wonderful city and bring the fresh start we need."
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