The Conservative parliamentary candidate for Lichfield has explained how he “fell in love” with the area.
Michael Fabricant was originally elected to represent the now defunct constituency of Mid-Staffordshire in 1992 with a majority of 6,236.
In 1997 boundary changes saw the creation of the Lichfield seat and Mr Fabricant narrowly clung on with a majority of just 238.
But by the May 2010 general election, Mr Fabricant had extended his majority to 17,683.
The former Tory vice-chairman, who was born in Brighton, said Lichfield fitted the bill for him – and believes he fits the bill for Lichfield.
He said: “I originally saw that Mid-Staffordshire were looking for an MP and I applied to get on the candidate shortlist – I was selected out of 238 people who applied. I wanted a small market town that was lively.
“Lichfield has changed over the years there is a lot more restaurants and the people still know how to celebrate.
“I fell in love with the area straight away, and I hope the people have fallen in love with me too.”
The Conservative politician admits the now defunct constituency of Mid-Staffordshire was lopsided.
Mr Fabricant said: “When I was first elected I represented the constituency of Mid-Staffordshire as it was known back in 1992.
“The constituency went almost as far as Stoke-on-Trent as I had Stone and Rugeley.
“However, the Boundary Commission decided that the constituency was lopsided so in 1997 it became Lichfield and Burntwood – I lost Rugeley and Stone, but I gained the people of Burntwood.”
The candidates standing in the Lichfield constituency in May are:
- Andy Bennetts – Class War
- Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
- Robert Pass – Green Party
- John Rackham – UKIP
- Paul Ray – Lib Dem
- Chris Worsey – Labour
