Stephen Lloyd MP - Eastbourne and Willingdon's Number 1 Supporter
Stephen Lloyd was elected MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon in 2010, having previously contested the seat in 2005. Immediately after the election Stephen was named by the Observer newspaper as one of the 'new MP's to watch'.
Prior to becoming an MP Stephen worked in business for over twenty years. Latterly as a business development consultant for the FSB (Federation for Small Business). Prior to that he was a business development director at the highly successful, global performance improvement company, The Grass Roots Group, and before that ran his own small business.
In parliament Stephen has quickly become active across a range of areas: These include being elected to the powerful Work and Pensions Select Committee; becoming Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Citizens Advice Bureau, and Co - Chair for the APPG on Apprenticeships. Vice Chair of the APPG on Deafness, Mental Health, Ageing and Older People, Town Centre Management, MS, Trading Standards, Microfinance, Pharmacy and Justice for Equitable Life Policyholders. Soon after the election, the FSB invited him to be there business champion in parliament.
In the summer of 2011, Stephen was appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister The Rt Hon, Nick Clegg MP, as the Co-Chair of the Lib Dem Northern Ireland Committee. By agreement within the coalition government, the Liberal Democrat Committees shadow each government department on behalf of the Party.
Stephen is also particularly interested in the area of disability; having first-hand knowledge of impairment - hard of hearing from childhood as well as losing his sight for a period of six months in his twenties - he is passionate about ensuring fair and equal access for all. Past responsibilities in this area have included being a Trustee of the RNID, Patron of the British Society of Hearing Therapists and a member of the Hearing Aid Council.
"What Can I Do for My Constituency?"
Stephen's main focus is very simple: "what can I do for my constituency?" With a strong background in business development, he knows how to get things done. Soon after the General Election he set up the 'MP's Commission', tasked with transforming the local economy of Eastbourne and Willingdon. It's made up of key local business people and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Eastbourne Hospitality Association, the Eastbourne Independent Traders, the FSB and the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council.
Recently Stephen spearheaded a successful apprenticeship initiative locally, where he led Eastbourne to recruit 100 apprenticeships in 100 days. The final figure was a whopping 181, which lead to the Deputy Prime Minister visiting Eastbourne, so he could see for himself the great work that was going on locally with apprenticeships. Nick Clegg visited a hotel with an active apprenticeships scheme, and also met staff from one of the largest training providers locally. 
He was also pivotal in getting the government to backtrack on previous changes to visa regulations, which threatened the future of English Language Schools across the country, a number of which are in Eastbourne. Other successes include securing £10.2 million from the Department of Education to ensure the complete buildings refurbishment of the Eastbourne Academy; working in partnership with the council he also secured the final £4.2 million from the Communities Department to enable Eastbourne Homes to complete their Decent Homes Programme.
Health remains a key interest. Well before being elected as the MP Stephen was an active member of the cross-party SavetheDGH campaign; dedicated to preventing any downgrading of core services at Eastbourne's local district general hospital. This aspiration continues to be an active campaign!
Stephen lives in Old Town at the heart of Eastbourne, is a local school governor (Ocklynge Junior School), Patron of a number of Eastbourne groups including WELMind, Hearing Link and Families for Autism and is a member of many local societies such as the RAFA Club, Navel Club, Angling Club, the Eastbourne Society, Underground Theatre and many more. His partner Cherine is a community matron and works for the local NHS.
Electoral History:
Stephen contested the Beaconsfield 2001 and Eastbourne 2005 General Elections. He was elected MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon in 2010.
Particular political interests:
Small business, the jobs agenda, disability, the environment and international development.
Personal Interests:
Motor Racing (rallying), cinema - old and new - and eating out with good company.
Memberships:
FRSA, Electoral Reform Society, FSB, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
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