Neil Carmichael, English academic and politician

William Neil Carmichael, born on 15 April 1961 in the historic market town of Hexham, Northumberland, is an English politician whose career has seen him serve in Parliament and traverse various political affiliations. His journey reflects a period of significant change within British politics, particularly in the wake of the European Union referendum.

Parliamentary Service for Stroud

Carmichael first entered the national political arena as a representative for the Conservative Party. He successfully stood as a candidate for the Stroud constituency, a vibrant area in Gloucestershire, South West England, often considered a bellwether seat, in the 2010 general election. As a Member of Parliament (MP) for Stroud, a role he held until 2017, Carmichael was responsible for representing his constituents in the House of Commons, contributing to legislative debates, and holding the government accountable. His tenure as an MP spanned a period marked by coalition government and subsequent Conservative majority.

However, his parliamentary career concluded with the 2017 general election, where he did not retain his seat, marking a shift in his direct involvement in national legislative processes.

A Period of Political Realignment (2019)

The year 2019 proved to be a pivotal time for William Carmichael, mirroring broader realignments within British politics, largely influenced by ongoing debates surrounding the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. In April 2019, he announced his decision to leave the Conservative Party, a move that often signals fundamental disagreements with party policy or direction.

Following his departure, Carmichael swiftly joined Change UK, a new political party also known as The Independent Group for Change. This party was formed primarily by centrist MPs from both the Labour and Conservative parties who were deeply concerned about the direction of Brexit and sought a more moderate, often pro-European, approach. Carmichael became a candidate for Change UK in the East of England constituency during the 2019 European Parliament election. Despite the party's aspirations, the election proved challenging for Change UK, and Carmichael, along with many of his fellow candidates, was unsuccessful in securing a seat in the European Parliament.

Joining the Liberal Democrats

Continuing his journey of political reorientation, William Carmichael made another significant announcement in September 2019: he had joined the Liberal Democrats. This move saw him align with a long-established centrist and pro-European party, known for its advocacy of civil liberties, social justice, and international cooperation. His decision to join the Liberal Democrats positions him within a party that has often championed causes similar to those expressed by Change UK, particularly concerning the UK's relationship with Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is William Neil Carmichael?

William Neil Carmichael is an English politician, born in Hexham in 1961. He is known for his time as a Conservative MP for Stroud and his subsequent party affiliations.

Which constituency did he represent as an MP?

He represented the Stroud constituency in Gloucestershire as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 2010 until 2017.

Why did he leave the Conservative Party?

While the specific reasons were not detailed in the original text, his departure in April 2019 coincided with a period of significant political realignment in the UK, particularly concerning Brexit, suggesting fundamental disagreements with the party's direction.

What was Change UK?

Change UK, also known as The Independent Group for Change, was a short-lived centrist political party formed in 2019, primarily by former Labour and Conservative MPs, to advocate for a different approach to Brexit and broader political reform.

Which political party is he currently affiliated with?

As of September 2019, William Neil Carmichael is affiliated with the Liberal Democrats.