About Ian Swales
Liberal Democrat MP for Redcar
Ian was elected as the new MP for Redcar in May 2010, overturned Labour MP Vera Baird's 12,116 majority with a huge swing of 21.8%. This was England's largest swing and the largest swing between any of the three largest parties at the 2010 general election and is a significant result in what has long been considered a Labour stronghold.
Redcar 2010 General Election Result in full
Ian was born in Leeds and grew up in Harrogate. Following a Chemical Engineering degree at Manchester University he joined Yorkshire Electricity and qualified as an Accountant in 1977. He moved to Teesside in 1978 to join ICI and settled in Redcar.
Ian's wife Pat is a Durham miner's daughter and used to come to Redcar on holiday. At ICI Ian held a wide variety of financial and business management roles and his work took him all over the world. At one time he had staff spread across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. He worked at ICI's European HQ in Brussels for 3 years in the 1980s and took part in major chemical industry re-structuring. In 1996 he moved to become global Head of Leadership Development for ICI before leaving in 1999 to start his own training and consultancy business. His clients have ranged from venture capital companies and start-ups to large public and private organisations. He found it especially revealing to work with two Government Departments in London and see how they interact with politicians.
He contested the 2005 General Election in the Redcar constituency and achieved large swings against both Labour and Conservative parties.
Redcar 2005 General Election Result in full
In his spare time Ian helps local organisations and campaigns on local issues. He was active in Redcar Swimming Club and since the closure of the pool has been campaigning for a new one. He has been on the Committee of Coatham Memorial Hall for many years. He is campaigning for more jobs in the area to replace all those being lost in the traditional steel and bulk chemical activities. He is also trying to save our Post office network and has taken up numerous issues for residents.
Ian has a passionate interest in people and how they live and work together. His hobbies include walking, keeping fit, cooking, reading and community activity. He is married to Pat and they have three children and two grandchildren. With one son living in Slovakia it's just as well that he and Pat also enjoy travelling.
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