Duncan Hames featured by the BBC Politics Show in the West

8.12.00pm GMT Mon 20th Nov 2006

BBC Politics Show in the West

The BBC has broadcast a feature on what it calls 'two of the Lib Dems' brightest prospects for the West-country' as part of the Politics Show in the West. Reporter Paul Barltrop spent the day with Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates Emma Bone (Filton and Bradley Stoke) and Duncan Hames (Chippenham) - both among the the party's top targets.

Duncan Hames speaking at the launch of Climate Friendly Bradford

"He's only 29, yet Duncan Hames feels comfortable alongside political veterans, also speaking at this meeting in Bradford on Avon are a Labour MEP and the area's Conservative MP. The Lib Dem is no novice: he's a district councillor and has stood in two general elections, despite an apolitical upbringing." explains the reporter.

In the interview which follows Duncan recalls how his background led him to an interest in politics:

"I certainly didn't grow up in a political family, but I did grow-up in a family that was working in the public services. My dad worked for a council, my mother once we went to school worked for a doctors' surgery, and then my sisters trained as a hospital doctor and the other one as a physiotherapist. I think it meant that from an early age I understood that there was an awful lot that mattered that was not just about getting a good job, and trying to make lots of money and having a successful career." says Duncan.

When asked about his personal role as a candidate, Duncan's point of view is straight-forward:

Duncan Hames, at home, speaking to the BBC

"I didn't get into politics because I wanted to be a celebrity. I'm actually quite a private person. I hope that we have an election in this constituency which is about matters of substance and not just style."

If you missed the programme, you can see it on the local BBC website until lunchtime on Sunday 26th November 2006 using the link below.

Related Link:

[BBC Politics Show in the West - 19th November 2006]