Tom Brake

http://www.libdems.org.uk/tom_brake

Tom Brake MP
Deputy Leader of the House of Commons

Tom Brake has been the MP for Carshalton and Wallington since 1997.

Tom was born in Leicestershire and from the age of eight, lived with his family in France, attending the Lycee International. Upon returning to England, Tom attended Imperial College, London where he gained a BSc (Hons) degree in Physics.

Tom was actively involved in human rights issues as a student. In 1988 he became a Liberal Democrat Councillor in the London Borough of Hackney before moving to Carshalton in 1990. Tom was elected as a Sutton Councillor in 1994. He was elected MP for Carshalton and Wallington in 1992.

Record Of Delivery
Tom is a well respected member of his local community, with a strong record of delivering for his constituents. As an MP, Tom has:

Led the ‘Save our St Helier’ campaign. So far he has raised over 12,000 signatures on his petition to prevent the closure of the Maternity Unit and A&E service at St Helier.
Together with his colleagues in Sutton Council, supported the campaign to pressure the Mayor to bring trams to Sutton. The campaign is ongoing and early signs are positive.
Helped the number of people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance in the constituency fall to its lowest in over three years, through promoting apprenticeship schemes.
Championed local businesses with his regular, ‘Independent Business Competition.
Announced that 460 of the poorest two-year-olds in Sutton would benefit from 15 hours free childcare a week. This was an additional investment of nearly £1.5m for the Sutton area.
In his spare time, Tom enjoys running, swimming and cycling. These pursuits have enabled him to compete in competitions such as the ‘Grim Challenge,’ which helped him raise £2500 for a local charity, Cricket for Change.

Parliamentary Experience
In his first term in Parliament he was the Liberal Democrats Environment Spokesman. Tom has been Shadow Transport Minister, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and Shadow Minister for the Home Office, amongst other prominent positions. In September 2012, Tom was promoted to the position of Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, a junior Ministerial role.

Tom’s proudest Lib Dem achievement in government is stopping innocent children being detained in prison.