Mike Thornton

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

Mike Thornton MP
MP for Eastleigh

Mike Thornton has been the MP for Eastleigh since 2013, having lived in the town for the past 20 years.

He was born in Farnham, Surrey and began his career working in the United States, and later in Scotland, in the Hotel Management industry. He switched to retail and then moved into marketing and magazine distribution before redundancy caused him to change tack again, and he began a career in financial services. Immediately before his election Mike was working as a Business Development Manager, providing specialist survey reports for investment and tax purposes.

Mike became active in politics following his wife’s remark that he should stop moaning about politics and do something about it. He began delivering leaflets and canvassing as a member of the Eastleigh Liberal Democrats and was elected as a Borough Councillor in 2007, a Bishopstoke Parish Councillor in 2008, and won the Eastleigh by-election in February 2013 that resulted from the resignation of Chris Huhne.

Record Of Delivery
Mike has a strong record of delivering for local people. He has served as an Eastleigh Borough Councillor since 2007, playing a key role scrutinising the council’s prosperity and growth strategy.

As an MP, Mike has:

Worked in government to give 60,000 people in Eastleigh a £700 tax cut
Helped to create an extra 1,010 apprenticeships in Eastleigh through his ‘Apprentice Boost Campaign’
Fought to protect local services, such as the children’s heart unit at Southampton General Hospital
Campaigned for better mental health services for Eastleigh residents
Mike is now working to give people in Eastleigh another £100 tax cut and secure the funding for improvements to housing, the transport infrastructure and local schools.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing both tennis and squash. He enjoys walking in the beautiful countryside that surrounds his Bishopstoke home with his wife, Peta, particularly so if there is a pub along the route.

Parliamentary Experience
Given his background, Mike’s main areas of interest as an MP are business and finance although he has a particular interest in improving the provision of Mental Health services within the NHS.

After entering Parliament, Mike became the Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, a role he continues to fulfil. Mike was also appointed to the European Scrutiny Committee. He is particularly proud of introducing a Private Member’s Bill to improve access to mental health therapies.

Of the many Lib Dem achievements in government he feels that the pupil premium is one of the most important. The Pupil Premium, worth over £2 million a year in extra funding to schools in Eastleigh each year, is narrowing the attainment gap between the poorest pupils and their wealthier peers,building a strong economy and a fairer society where everyone can reach their potential. By 2015, The Pupil Premium will be worth a total of £2.5bn a year to schools in England.