Simon Hughes

Simon Hughes

Simon Hughes (born 1951) is a Member of Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

He was elected to Parliement as a Liberal in the Bermondsey by-election of 24 February 1983, beating the labour candidate Peter Tatchell. The election was marred by homophobic propoganda against Tatchell, Simon Hughes's own sexuality being kept secret.

Hughes stood for leadership of the Liberal Democrats 2006. Peter Tatchell said: "I hope Simon is elected as party leader because of all the contenders he is the most progressive on human rights, social justice and environmental issues." During the election Simon Hughes was outed by The Sun as bisexual. He confirmed this (having previously denied it) revealed his own homosexual experiences, and He apologised for the 1983 campaign in 2006. Peter Tatchell reaffirmed his opinion on the leadership election after Hughes' outing by The Sun. He said "it is time to forgive and move on. ....I am on the left of the Green Party. I don't support the Lib Dems, but if I was a member I would vote for Simon as leader"

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