Chris Huhne MP

Chris Huhne was elected as the MP for Eastleigh in May 2005. He is the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Environment Secretary and is campaigning for policies which will protect the environment for future generations.

Before Chris's election to Westminster, he was Hampshire's Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2005 where he built up a reputation as a local champion for Hampshire interests in Europe. He campaigned to stop the job losses at the Pirelli plant in Bishopstoke following unfair Italian government subsidies. Chris tackled the bureaucracy in Brussels on behalf of local people: Greenways, the Hampshire company that makes barley straw mats to stop pond algae, was threatened with closure until Chris got the Commission to do a U-turn. Chris also backed Southampton Football Club in its successful efforts to get approval for a new TV deal that underpins the Saints' professional status. Chris backed local charity Leukaemia Busters in their campaign to help research into the devastating diseases that are ignored by the big drug companies because they affect too few people to be profitable.

Chris's work as an MEP ensured that "sunset" clauses were put into EU law for the first time: these remove powers given to the Commission automatically after four years if it does not consult widely and take decisions openly. Chris was praised for his work helping small businesses raise money through issuing shares and bonds, which made it easier to raise funds outside your own country. Chris was one of the key group of four MEPs who negotiated the fast-track "Lamfalussy" approach to a single financial market. And Chris was the MEP who insisted on full openness in the decision-making of the European Central Bank, which now publishes regular forecasts.

Chris, whose home is in Dutton Lane, Eastleigh, is married to Vicky and they have five children, three of whom are now grown up. Before his election in 1999, Chris ran a business advising pension funds on where to invest safely around the world. Previously, he was a award-winning financial and economic journalist and editor, with The Guardian and The Independent as well as writing four books on economic topics.

If you would like an appointment to discuss an issue with Chris Huhne at one of his regular advice surgeries please call his office on 023 8062 0007.

Email Chris at chris@chrishuhne.org.uk

Visit his website www.ChrisHuhne.org.uk

Lord Chidgey

David Chidgey became Lord Chidgey of Hamble-le-Rice on the 27th of June 2005, following eleven years as Eastleigh's Member of Parliament. He won Eastleigh from the Conservatives at a famous by-election in 1994, holding the seat at two General Elections until his retirement in 2005.

During his time in parliament he served on the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee, taking a particular interest in Africa, as well as participating in the Joint Committee on Human Rights. He was previously the party's frontbench spokesman on Trade and Industry, Transport and Employment.

Prior to his election to Parliament he was a civil engineer, having been Chief Advisor to the Dublin Transport Authority, and as Associate Partner in a firm directing major transport and infrastructure projects in West Africa. He was also Associate Director in an Eastleigh-based branch of a professional engineering practice, with a particular specialism in projects at local military establishments.

David lives in Alresford with his wife and has three grown-up children. He enjoys playing golf, tennis and following cricket.

Local Councillors

Information on the 38 local Liberal Democrat Councillors can be found by clicking the link below.

Link to Local Liberal Democrat Councillor information