Decision time for Simon Wright on tuition fees
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After weeks of keeping everyone guessing, the MP for Norwich South has finally decided how he'll vote in next week's debate on tuition fees.
"Many of my constituents wish me to use the mandate that they have given me to oppose the proposal to increase the basic cap on fees to £6,000. Because I made this a key issue in my election campaign, I have decided that I should vote against these proposals," he says in a statement.
Over the past few weeks the new MP has come under considerable pressure. didn't just sign the not to increase tuition fees - he actively campaigned on the pledge. His surprise victory in May's election over Charles Clarke (the man who first introduced tuition fees) was put down to the large student vote.
But whereas other Lib Dem MPs in University seats (like Bob Russell and Julian Huppert) were quick to say that they'd stick to their pledge, Mr Wright said he wanted time to weigh up all the arguments before reaching a decision.
Simon Wright MP
Because he is viewed as a Government loyalist and is close friends with Norman Lamb (Nick Clegg's political advisor who WILL vote for the increase), students feared that he would back the bill. That's why they've been demonstrating outside his office.
Mr Wright's predicament is a public sign of the pain felt by every Lib Dem MP over this issue.
He maintains in his statement that there is a lot in the proposals that he agrees with: abolishing up-front fees for part-time students; a fairer repayment system and generous support for young people from less privileged backgrounds.
But he also made a promise and in the post expenses/greater accountability climate MPs are expected to keep their promises. His 310 majority probably also weighed heavily on the mind.
There also appears to have been a change of heart among the party whips. A week ago senior party managers were hinting that they would get tough with those who went against the coalition agreement and voted against an increase.
Today one of them told us that Mr Wright would face no reprisals for his disloyalty. "We understand he's been under pressure. He campaigned heavily on this pledge, you can't really expect him not to stick to it."
Most Liberal Democrats will vote for the increase, the Government is confident the bill will be passed. It seems prepared to tolerate a small rebellion.
"We just want to put this behind us and move on," said the party manager.
Will it be as easy as that?
Welcome to the political blog for the East. I'm Deborah McGurran, the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Political Editor for the region. From Lowestoft to Luton, this is the place for politics with an eastern twist.
Comment number 1.
At 3rd Dec 2010, richard griffiths wrote:Funny how a 310 vote majority concentrates the mind!
Come the next election, all these slippery Lib Dems will be lucky to save their skin. At least with the Tories you know what you will get.
The Lib Dems canvassed on a 'new type of politics'. Now we know what they mean.
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