From: HANSON, David
Sent: 16 September 2010 11:15
Subject: Shadow Cabinet Elections – David Hanson
Dear colleague
I write to ask for your support in the forthcoming elections to the Shadow Cabinet.
I believe it is important that the Shadow Cabinet focuses on three key tasks:
1) To challenge the Tories and the Lib Dems in the Chamber and articulate a strong Labour alternative
2) To galvanise the party throughout the country and work with the new leader to ensure we develop a campaigning role across the UK
3) To work with the PLP to develop effective policies to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century
As a member of the Shadow Cabinet I would use my 18 years of experience in the House of Commons to help the new leader achieve these aims.
Since the General Election I have taken the fight to the Tories from the front bench in my current shadow roles at the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and the Treasury and as a regular back bench questioner.
Prior to the election I served as Minister for Policing and Counter Terrorism, where I developed the policing White Paper; as Minister for Prisons and Probation, where I oversaw the development of an integrated prisons and probation service; and as Northern Ireland Minister where I ran four, now devolved departments, and supported Cabinet Ministers in restoring the Peace process
I also served as Wales Office Minister at the start of devolution and spent four years as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, working in Downing Street as the liaison between the PLP and Prime Minister. This role in particular gave me a deep understanding of the importance of working in partnership with the PLP. I also have experience working in the Whips Office in government. All of this I believe will be invaluable in helping to get Labour back into power.
Having had five years as an opposition MP, I am aware of the task ahead and have first hand experience of forming a constructive and effective opposition.
Prior to my election to Parliament I worked as Director of a National Charity and was Leader of my local council.
I am pleased to have the support of all of the former Cabinet Ministers with whom I worked with when I was a Minister in government:
The Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
The Rt Hon Peter Hain MP
The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP
The Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP
The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
I would be happy to speak to you about my candidacy on xxxxxxxxx and I hope for your support.
Best wishes
The Rt Hon David Hanson MP