Tribute to former MP Colin Breed

Tribute to Colin Breed, former MP for South East Cornwall, from Colin Martin, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cornwall Council:

“Colin gave me my first job in politics, when I came to work for him in Liskeard in 2005. At that point he had been a Member of Parliament for eight years and it soon became clear to me that he embodied so many of the qualities that a good MP should have: 

He was kind and friendly to everyone. He never took himself too seriously, but he knew he had a serious job to do. He was observant, curious and thoughtful; so had developed a detailed understanding of the factors influencing everything from the price of a pint of milk to building a bypass. And as well as looking after South East Cornwall, he tried to foster a more peaceful world, voting against the war in Iraq and making many visits to the Middle-East to promote greater understanding between people of different religions.

All of this was driven by a sense of humility and service, rooted in his faith: He didn’t see MPs as being above anyone else; all he wanted to do was to make the world a better place for others.

And for thirteen years, that’s exactly what he did. Whether you knew him or not, everyone in South East Cornwall was helped in one way or another by Colin, and every day my own work is shaped by his example.

The Liberal Democrat party in Cornwall will miss his wisdom, and Janet and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.”