The big names who fell for the Liberal Democrats included Dr Evan Harris. It was a shock to many of us because he had a 7,500 majority 5 years ago…
This time he lost by a very narrow margin to Nicola Blackwood. She has run a very good campaign.
It is interesting how this result is being reported beyond Abingdon, and the significance being placed on the result by some interest groups…
In Christian Concern For Our Nation … Christian concerns over Dr Harris’ extreme position on many ethical matters have undoubtedly played an important part in the result. Many local Christians and churches have engaged with the election process in a way not seen before.
In particular, constituency resident and ordained Anglican minister, Rev Lynda Rose, has worked tirelessly and boldly to draw voters’ attention to the reality of Dr Harris’ anti-life and secularising agenda.
It seems that for many, these critical issues, which include matters of life and death, have outweighed party considerations….
The Guardian Blog says … And Evan Harris, the very maverick but engaging Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, got ousted too – too many enemies.
The Times under the headline Election 2010 : a terrible night for Science…
The most damaging result came in Oxford West & Abingdon, where Evan Harris, the Liberal Democrat science spokesman, lost to the Tories by just 176 votes, after a recount. His departure will be keenly felt, for no MP has done more to speak up for science and to campaign for its interests over the past 13 years.
Evan Harris has been front and centre on almost any scientific issue you care to name. He played a pivotal role in ensuring that the recent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act was amended so as not to constrain science or medicine. He has led the campaign for reform of the libel laws, in light of cases such as Simon Singh’s. He speaks up for the researchers who conduct animal experiments, and was a brave defender of Oxford University’s new animal research facility (which was in his constituency under old boundaries).
Another enemy was the The Animal Protection Party with their infamous Dr Death Leaflet – because of his support for that animal research facility. The name had been dreamed up by a Daily Mail blogger a couple of years ago.
The National Secular Society website said…
Valued Honorary Associate and former Secularist of the Year, Dr Evan Harris, has lost his parliamentary seat in the General Election. Dr Harris was beaten by 176 votes by the Tory candidate.
Keith Porteous Wood, Executive Director of the NSS, who has worked closely on many campaigns with Evan, said: “Evan Harris has been a tireless worker for secularism and many other progressive causes…