Anthony David Wright

I am an engineer by trade, but became involved in politics through my trade union. I became a full-time organiser for the Labour Party in Great Yarmouth, and served on Great Yarmouth Borough Council for fourteen years, becoming Leader in 1995.

I was delighted to be elected to serve my hometown as Member of Parliament at the last General Election, and my focus has very much been on fighting for my constituency, which has suffered from the neglect of the previous government.

Among the successes since May 1997 have been the securing of Objective 2 status for Great Yarmouth, and the retention of our Assisted Area status that should help us to attract new investment. We have also secured Government initiatives for extra investment in our schools, our local hospital and for exciting new projects, such as the Sure Start programme to give youngsters the best possible start in life.

At Westminster I have focused on my work on the Public Administration Select Committee, and as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on ME I have also been fortunate to represent Parliament on a number of overseas trips, which have added to my understanding of international issues, and given me an opportunity to promote Great Yarmouth on the world stage.