I’ll be back, says Davies

Chris Davies says he worked hard to secure sustainable fish sources

OUSTED MEP Chris Davies is determined he won’t sink into obscurity after losing his seat in the European Parliament after 15 years.

“One thing I don’t want to do is become an expert lawn mower,” says the energetic 59 year old., who is 60 next month.

The Greenfield-dwelling Liberal Democrat was the party’s European spokesman on environment and says his achievements in office will stay with him forever.

Davies became MP for Littleborough and Saddleworth after a by-election in 1995. The seat was abolished before the 1997 general election, when he fought Oldham East and Saddleworth but lost to Labour’s Phil Woolas. Two years later Chris was elected MEP for the North-West.

He rated the chances of keeping his seat as 50/50 heading into Thursday’s Euro election so was upset to lose.

“In March I won a Parliamentarian of the Year award for my work on sustainable fishing. Two months later, I am out on my ear.,” he said.

“I had lots of messages from Labour and Conservative supporters, who said they had voted for me despite political differences, because they know I am good at what I do.

“I don’t take my defeat as a personal one — the Liberal Democrats were swept away by factors that were way beyond my control. I have done my best to be honest about the positive and negative aspects of the European Parliament. I have got a string of achievements under my belt and I have done a lot to be proud of.

“I have already been out and got new business cards printed and changed my email address, so I’ll see if someone has a role for me. I have a lot of energy and experience and I have had a few calls and emails. I am not turning my back on politics, but I want a break from it.

“I have served on two councils, Oldham and Liverpool; I have served as an MP and as an MEP and can honestly say I felt I had the most influence in the European Parliament.

“I’d like to thank the people of Oldham and the North-West; they kept me in office for three terms and allowed me to achieve so much. I am grateful I had that opportunity.”