Endorsements

I stood for the South Derbyshire Parliamentary Constituency and reached the hustings, eventually coming 4th of of the 38 candidates that originally applied.

These are some of the people that backed me:

Mrs Diana Dyke

South Derbyshire Labour Party Member, Melbourne, Derby

“First impressions are very important. From the moment I met Richard it was clearly evident he can win the hearts and mind of voters in South Derbyshire.”

Mr & Mrs Gnosill

Labour Party members in Linton, Swadlincote

“We both took to Richard straight away. Why? He’s so approachable and understands the needs and concerns of grassroots Labour Party members. Combined with his experience and enthusiasm we are confident Richard will very much “fly the flag” for South Derbyshire in Westminster.”

Tim Stockdale

Managing Director of Newton Fallowell Estate Agents in Swadlincote

“Richard’s got a great sense of purpose, drive and determination, which I’ve witnessed at first hand in previous elections! I’ve known Richard for over 20 years now and have followed his political career with interest. I have no doubt that he’ll prove to be a formidable campaigner & first class Labour Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire.”

Nick Palmer MP for Broxtowe

“I’d honestly recommend Richard for South Derbyshire. The seat needs someone who is good at producing good customised pitches to all the little town and villages in the patch, and Richard does that to perfection.”

Paddy Tipping MP for Sherwood

“I’ve worked with Richard as a County Councillor and as Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood over a long period of time. He can motivate and campaign and is a great colleague.”

Who else is supporting Richard for South Derbyshire?

Richard Steedman – Labour Party member Ashby de la Zouch

“Richard’s experience and dedication is obvious from the moment you meet him. A team player, open to new ideas and a pleasure to work with – these are just some of the reasons why I chose to work for him.”

Ian Selby – parliamentary caseworker – Andy Reed MP

“It is a great pleasure working with Richard in Andy Reed’s parliamentary constituency office. What I like most about Richard is that if something needs doing in the office, then absolutely nothing is too much trouble to do.”

Andy Furlong – East Midlands National Policy Forum Representative

“Richard is a creative local campaigner with a solid track record of keeping in touch with Labour supporters. I always value his views on key issues ahead of National Policy Forum meetings because he has a good grip on the mood within the party.”

J David Morgan – East Midlands Labour candidate for 2009 European Elections

“Richard has what is needed of a Labour candidate and MP – a capacity for and commitment to hard work; campaigning energetically; and going the extra mile.”

Scott Lomax – Chesterfied

“Richard has proven himself to be a first rate candidate when he stood as the Parliamentary candidate for Charnwood in 2005. I have no doubt that he would prove himself to be a first rate Member of Parliament. His knowledge, energy, enthusiasm, and passion are inspiring. His commitment and dedication to the Labour Party and the public is a great example of what makes an excellent politician.”

Dean Clegg – Derby North Constituency

“Richard is hardworking, efficient and very good at motivating and building teams. I’ve witnessed this for myself!”

Cllr Max Hunt – Leader Labour Group Charnwood Borough Council

“Richard has the drive to see things through and the capacity to become one of the best and most popular MPs in the region.”

Mushtaq Patas – MA student – Nottingham University – Internship with Andy Reed MP

“Working under the direction of Richard Robinson has been an absolute pleasure and I have had a brilliant experience. I have found Rich to be hard working, passionate and great fun. This has been a valuable experience for me.”

Jon Tandy – Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Shrewsbury

“I am glad that you have decided to stand for Parliament. As I know from the work that you did in Shrewsbury that your comittment and hard work for all hard working families will be an asset to any CLP.”

Leonie Amarasekara – student Loughborough High School

“Dedication, insight into politics and a passion to help the community. These are the qualities that differentiate an MP from a great MP and Richard has them in spades. I can say with utmost certainty that Richard has the capacity to be the best representative that South Derbyshire could ask for.”

Steve Yemm – Chair of Mansfield CLP and East Midlands Convenor, Compass

“Campaigning with Richard – both inside and outside the Labour Party – I have always found him to be effective, original and fun. He would be a truly committed, hard working and first rate MP for South Derbyshire and a champion for our values of equality and democracy.”

Matt Forde – Consumer Focus

“Richard is one of the most decent people that I’ve met in politics. He is a kind and genuine man who just wants to make life better for those in need.”

Michelle Hughes – Assistant to Patricia Hewitt MP

“I have known Richard for a number of years and worked closely with him as Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood in 2005. Richard worked tirelessly in a very challenging seat to achieve one of the smallest swings against labour in the Country. He was excellent at motiviating and organising teams of members and earned the respect and admiration of the whole CLP. I was particularly impressed by Richard’s commitment and dedication to solving problems and getting good results for constituents – one previous Tory voter was so impressed by the help she was given by Richard she joined the Labour Party.”

Betty Newton – Labour County Councillor, Loughborough North

“In the years I have been privileged to know Richard, I have developed a great respect for his ability, his personal ingegrity and commitment to hard work. He has all the qualities one would wish to find in a party worker and I cannot recommend him highly enough.”

Edward Jacobs BA (Hons) – Youth and Student Officer and European Coordinator, Broxtowe Constituency Labour Party

“Richard’s work in getting the bus link between Kimberley and the Tram shows his commitment to working with the community and getting things done to improve people’s quality of life – essential qualities for a Labour MP. Richard would make a great representative for the good people of South Derbyshire.”

John Legrys – Secretary Leicestershire County Labour Group & Leader North West Leicestershire Labour Group

“Richard has acted as a mentor during stressful times and has provided unlimited guidance and help. His ability to organise and people skills is second to none. Richard will face our opponents head on and obtain the result we need.”