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07
Jul 2024
Who is Tom Gordon? 10 things you should know about Harrogate's new MP
Harrogate and Knaresborough has a new MP after the general election.
Liberal Democrat Tom Gordon will represent the area in the House of Commons – but who is he?
Here are 10 things you need to know about the new MP.
1. How old is he and where is he from?
Mr Gordon, 30, is from Knottingley in West Yorkshire.
2. How long has he been in politics?
His political journey began in 2014 when a chance encounter on a train with a Lib Dem peer led to him becoming an intern in the House of Lords at the age of 20.
3. Why did he get into politics?
He says his mother's diagnosis with breast cancer in 2016 was a key moment in his political development because it showed how inadequate statutory sick pay was for people facing serious health conditions.
4. When did he join the Lib Dems?
He joined the Lib Dems in 2017 and finished fourth behind Labour’s Yvette Cooper In Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford at the 2019 general election with 6.5% of the vote.
In 2021 he polled 3.3% in the Batley and Spen by-election to finish fourth behind Labour.
5. What is his background?
He is a former Lib Dem leader on Wakefield Council and also represented the Lib Dems on Newcastle City Council.
6. How did he become MP?
He was selected ahead of Knaresborough’s Matt Walker to stand in Harrogate and Knaresborough 18 months ago.
7. What is his career background?
He was a part-time policy and external affairs officer for the Carers Trust charity and the office manager for Helen Morgan, the Lib Dem MP for North Shropshire, when he was selected to contest Harrogate and Knaresborough.
8. Who does he admire?
He says he is a big fan of “pavement politics and grassroots activism” and cites former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron as someone he greatly admires.
9. Recent allegations
He was reported to the Gambling Commission recently over allegations that he placed bets on the outcomes of by-elections in 2021 and 2022, using canvassing data not available to the public – and that he won money on more than one occasion as a result.
10. What has he pledged?
In his victory speech, he pledged to be like former Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis. He also promised to speak up for everyone, including those who did not vote for him.
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