Clacton & North East Essex Arts & Literary Society
28th January 2013 – Paddy Ashdown A Brilliant Little Operation – The Story behind the Cockleshell Heros. From the battlefield to the front bench, Paddy Ashdown has seen plenty of action throughout his career. We will hear about the man behind the headlines, exploring his work outside Westminster. Sponsored by THOMPSON, SMITH & PUXON (Solicitors), Clacton-on-Sea.
Paddy Ashdown is a former member of the British Parliament and a diplomat with a lifelong commitment to international cooperation.
Electoral history
Contested Yeovil 1979 general election. MP (Liberal/Liberal Democrat) for Yeovil 1983-2001
Parliamentary career
Liberal Spokesperson for Trade and Industry 1985-87; Alliance Spokesperson for Education and Science 1987; Liberal Spokesperson for Education and Science 1987-88; Spokesperson for Northern Ireland 1988-92; Leader, Liberal Democrats 1988-99
Political interests
Youth affairs, foreign affairs, defence, industry, new technology, nation building
Countries of interest
Western Balkans
Name, style and title
Raised to the peerage as Baron Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, of Norton-sub-Hamdon in the County of Somerset 2001