Chris Mullin to stand down

Andrea Sat May 10, 2008 at 07:30:42 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Sunderland MP Chris Mullin has announced his intentions to retire at next GE.



He told the local paper that "After careful thought, I have reluctantly concluded that my useful life in parliament is over. I will not, therefore, be a candidate at the next election"

Born in 1947, he was first elected to the Commons in 1987. He represents Sunderland South constituency and was set to fight the new Sunderland Central seat at next GE.

His decisions to retire leaves a vacancy for a new PPC in Sunderland Central. The new constituency is a 25.52% notional Labour majority. However the Tories have enjoyed a lead in local elections in wards making up the new seat since 2004 (3% in 2004, 9% last month).



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Chris Mullin to stand down | 13 comments (13 topical)

Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#1)

by fluffymike on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:02:45 PM GMT

Very sad news - an independently minded MP that had intelligence, bravery and individuality - a damn rare thing these days!

His work on the Guildford and Birmingham cases was incredible, and at a time when it won him far more enemies than friends.

Also, the longest serving member for each parliament of course!


Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#2)

by jkitleft on Sat May 10, 2008 at 08:12:48 PM GMT

That is his main legacy- his wonderful campaign to bring justice for those wrongly convicted over the birmingham and Guildford bombings.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#3)

by lastword on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:11:39 PM GMT

I third the praise above. Who are the contenders?  I should think Cllr Jonny Reynolds (a close ally of rising star James Purnell) would be a strong choice for this seat....


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#5)

by swatantra on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:47:03 PM GMT

Mullins also wrote some thrillers. Hopefully a Northerner and local to succeed him; not many real Geordie accents in the House.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#6)

by HenryG on Sat May 10, 2008 at 10:55:30 PM GMT

Not many Geordie accents in Sunderland either! I wouldn't be surprised if GMB organiser Julie Elliott goes for it since she lives in the constituency, but she did remarkably badly in her last effort.  Could attract one of councillor brothers Iain or Ed Malcolm from South Tyneside. One to watch might be new Durham County Council leader Simon Henig who is a lecturer at Sunderland University.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#9)

by GeorgeWashington on Sun May 11, 2008 at 11:46:50 AM GMT

I would have thought Bridget Phillipson from the neighbouring Washington CLP might have a go. She stood in that Washington seat against Julie Elliott last year and did well to beat her but ultimately lost to Sharon Hodgson. Also maybe Lewis Atkinson (an NHS worker I think?) who lives in the constituency.

Who is this Cllr Reynolds? Haven't heard of him locally. 


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#11)

by HenryG on Sun May 11, 2008 at 12:10:43 PM GMT

You could be right about Bridget Phillipson and I'm sure she'll look forward to resuming her tussle with Julie! I don't know who Lewis Atkinson is.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#13)

by Peter Williamson on Tue May 20, 2008 at 11:22:34 AM GMT

if your right about Lewis, I'd be delighted, someone with a frsh attitude and no baggage to leed from the front would reinvigorate the local party


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#7)

by otware on Sun May 11, 2008 at 12:43:43 AM GMT

Oh god no! Anything but a Purnell ass-licker.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#8)

by treborc on Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:43:50 AM GMT

Thank god somebody else I though I was going to be the only one. god forgive we have anymore like Purnell.


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Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#4)

by scampi on Sat May 10, 2008 at 09:19:08 PM GMT

V. Good news as is this!
An ICM poll of 1000 voters in Crewe & Nantwich is suggesting that the tories are on target for their first by-election gain since 1982. The figures are:- CON 43% Lab 39%: LD 16%



Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#10)

by DavidPrescott on Sun May 11, 2008 at 12:00:45 PM GMT

.....and author of A Very British Coup. I still have my Harry Perkins for PM badge somewhere. I seem to remember Harry 'won' with a manifesto that included closing all American bases, import controls, abolition of the House of Lords and dissolving all newspaper monopolies. Them were the days!


Re: Chris Mullin to stand down (#12)

by GeorgeWashington on Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:10:10 PM GMT

Julie Elliott seems to be pushing very very hard for this to be an AWS. However, I have heard quite a lot of sceptical comments from local members, particularly given her key role in suspending Albert Nugent and other Labour councillors in Durham! An AWS might look like protection for her for doing the dirty work necessary to replace the previous (lefty) Durham Labour leadership.

Either way, she would still be favourite for this selection whether or not it is going to be an AWS.


Chris Mullin to stand down | 13 comments (13 topical)