First step to the House of Commons? Simon Marcus after last night’s vote

Published: 31 January, 2013
by RICHARD OSLEY

THE Conservatives named Simon Marcus last night (Wednesday) as the man who will try and win back Hampstead for the party at the next general election.

Elected as a councillor at the Town Hall last year, Mr Marcus was the soaraway winner of an “open primary” contest held at the West Hampstead Synagogue in Dennington Park Road.

The contest works by allowing anybody entitled to vote in the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency, regardless of their political affiliation, to listen to would-be candidates and choose their preferred candidate from the very start of the campaign.

This is promoted as being a transparent way of picking a candidate who is popular to a wide section at the outset.

Hampstead and Kilburn is an important target for the Tories if they want to form a government without the need for a coalition partner.

But they have not won here since 1992 when Glenda Jackson was first elected for Labour. She confirmed last week to colleagues that she will not seek re-election and will retire from the Commons undefeated at the end of this Parliament.

Mr Marcus, who played an alien “Mangalore” in the cult sci-fi film The Fifth Element, won ahead of two other hopeful candidates, Alex Burghart and Seema Kennedy.

All three were questioned for thirty minutes on stage with Robert Hayward, a former Tory MP, moderating proceedings. The irony that his niece, Sarah Hayward, is the Labour leader of Camden Council was not lost on the crowd.

Anybody who left without hearing all of the candidates’ comments was barred from voting. There were around 300 in the hall.

Mr Marcus, who won comfortably on the first ballot of votes, told the audience: “Things aren’t perfect, things aren’t going as well as we want but I still think we’re the people to turn the country around and create opportunities. We’ve got to help those kids, build those new schools and sort things out. It’s just a matter of working hard and getting out there and I hope you’ll all come with me.”

All candidates had earlier answered a range of questions. Among his answers, Mr Marcus, who was once a model on album artwork for the hit band Muse, said he supported gay marriage: “If two people want to show their love in the highest form they should be allowed to marry.”

He also said the UK should renegotiate a new deal with the European Union.

Mr Marcus was later seen with friends from the party in West End Lane heading for celebratory drinks.

The Liberal Democrats chose Emily Frith as their candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn earlier this month. Labour members, however, are playing a cagey game as to who will replace Ms Jackson as candidate.

Those tipped to throw their hats into the ring include Town Hall leisure chief Councillor Tulip Siddiq and education journalist Fiona Millar (partner of Tony Blair’s spin doctor Alastair Campbell). Neither,  however, have spoken publicly of their plans.

Highgate Councillor Sally Gimson confirmed she was interested in a newspaper interview last week. Kilburn councillors Mike Katz and Thomas Gardiner are both also in the running.

The final choice could depend on whether central office impose an all-women shortlist.

“It would be a tremendous honour to follow in Glenda’s footsteps,” said Cllr Katz.

“I’ve lived and campaigned in the seat for 12 years, so when members ask you about standing, you give it serious consideration.”