Life as an MP 1997-2010
I was the first MP elected for the new constituency of Sittingbourne & Sheppey in 1997.
The constituency had previously been known as Faversham and since WW2 had returned Percy Wells, Labour, from 1945-1964 and then Terry Boston, also Labour, from 1964-70. From 1970 to 1997, Roger Moate, Tory, held the seat. He was knighted by his own party (as in their tradition) for having served for 21 consecutive years. The House of Commons was full of Tory "Shire" knights during my 13 years as an MP but it is a tradition not followed by my own party or the Lib Dems and is frankly absurd.
Now sadly MPs have their own committee to award themselves knighthoods: you couldn't make it up.
Anyway, I stepped down as an MP in 2010.
You can find out whether or not I was any good by going to my old, award winning site either through the British Library where it has been legally deposited -
www.bl.uk - or by accessing:
www.derekwyattexmp.co.uk.
Enjoy.