This is the website of Des Turner MP and Simon Burgess, Labour's candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven at the next General Election. Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency includes: Albion Hill, Bevendean, Bristol Estate, Coombe Road, Craven Vale, Eastern Road, Kemp Town, Manor Farm, Meadowview, the Marina, Moulsecoomb, Ovingdean, Queens Park, Peacehaven, Roedean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, St James's Street, Tarner, Telscombe Cliffs, Whitehawk and Woodingdean. Please use the links on the left to find out more about Des and Simon, how...

National Park Summit

150 guests were invited to Petworth House on Thursday to hear direct from the National Parks Minister, Huw Irranca-Davis MP, and Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP about the next steps in bringing the park into being in April 2011. Supporters and opponents of th national park were present including; The South Downs Campaign Group, Country Landowners Association, MPs, councillors and many more. Simon Burgess, who was there representing Des Turner MP, thanked everyone who had worked so hard to make the park a reality and put it to those present; "whilst there are some good structures and partnerships already... more...

The Albion - new man at top

Like many Albion supporters I have mixed feelings seeing a new chairman take over at the Albion. It is hard to think of another club that has had to manage with such a poor quality stadium, and challenging fortunes on the field, and yet there still be such solid support for the Chairman, Dick Knight and his management team. Dick, Martin Perry and Ken Brown have fought tirelessly for a new stadium, and importantly they have worked to keep fans as well informed as possible. It is hard to imagine another club, going through what the Albion has been through,... more...

Co-operative Trust Schools

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls MP, visited City College at the invitation of Simon Burgess and Nancy Platts, Labours candidate for Brighton Pavilion. Local headteachers and chairs of governors were invited to attend a reception where they heard about Co-operative Trust Schools and they had the opportunity to meet the minister informally. Afterwards a Labour Party fundraising dinner was held with college students providing the catering. "It was a very worthwhile evening. I am particularly keen on Co-op Trust Schools where the school becomes a community asset and pupils strongly identify with the... more...

Tories branded "nasty party" over hunting ban repeal

More than double the number of people think the Conservatives are more like a ‘nasty party’ than a ‘compassionate Conservative’ party, according to a poll published today. The poll shows that only 23% of the public think the Conservatives are the ‘compassionate’ party whilst more than double that number (56%) think the Tories are the ‘nasty party’ on the issue of hunting. In answer to a separate question, 70% believe the Conservatives are wrong to commit parliamentary time to the hunting issue. Simon Burgess, Labour & Co-op Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Kemptown and long-time animal welfare campaigner said; "... more...

South East Minister hears traders concerns

Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for the South East, came along to meet St.James's Street businesses at the invitation of Simon Burgess who chairs the St.James's Street Area Action Group (SJAAG). "In these difficult times I was particularly keen that local businesses were able to tell the minister all the problems they face. It was a bonus that he not only took away their issues but was also able to make some useful constructive suggestions." SJAAG is open to all residents and businesses in the area. Join the facebook group at; http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=68638924372#/group.php?sid=19b9212a85acd3907969f31107a9b861&gid=35258943830&ref=search... more...

Simon Burgess: MPs Expenses

I share public anger at seeing an expenses system being abused by MPs of all parties for items such as moat clearing and tax avoidance, especially when so many people are struggling to make ends meet. I have a young family and so if elected as the MP for Brighton Kemptown I intend to commute between London and my home. There may be times when I need to stay in London, but I would not submit any claims for re-imbursement from the Additional Costs Allowance (recently renamed Personal Additional Accommodation Expenditure) which covers second homes and overnight accomodation etc.... more...

The task in front of us is clear - Gordon Brown

Speaking after announcing his new Cabinet, Gordon Brown MP, Labour's Prime Minister, said: "The elections yesterday were a painful defeat for Labour. Too many good people doing so much good for their more...

The choice voters face

Today, Gordon Brown highlighted the choice voters face at the ballot box this week on a visit to the East Midlands. "But I also want to say explicitly to the people of the East Midlands that the BNP d more...

Voters face a choice between our commitment to investment and the Tories' commitment to cuts - Gordon Brown

Today, Gordon Brown highlighted the choice voters face at the ballot box this week on a visit to the East Midlands. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party was joined by the leader of the Eu more...

Time for Tories to come clean on education cuts

Ed Balls MP, Labour's Schools Secretary, today called on David Cameron and Michael Gove to come clean about the Conservative Party's plans for cuts to education spending. Ed Balls has today written to more...