Paul Blomfield has become the MP for Sheffield Central following the General Election.
Mr Blomfield, representing the Labour party, beat closest rival, Liberal Democrat Paul Scriven, by a margin of 165 votes.
Sheffield Central has always been a traditionally Labour seat but was contested by Scriven, the leader of the City Council.
A recount was called in order to confirm the slight win by Labour.
Mr Blomfield has worked for the Students’ Union since 1979, and has been its General Manager since 2002.
His campaign was supported by Honorary Union President Eddie Izzard when he visited the University in April, along with National Union of Students President Wes Streeting.
During his time as General Manager the Students’ Union has repeatedly topped rankings for being the best union in the country.
Mr Blomfield said, “Sheffield Central is an extraordinary constituency and it will be an extraordinary privilege to represent it in Parliament.
“The result was obviously close, but I am delighted to have been elected as the new MP for Sheffield Central.
“I am grateful to all those who cast their vote for me, and all those who supported my campaign, but will work hard for everyone in the constituency.
“I will work to protect jobs and services in Sheffield from the savage cuts that we’re all expecting from the new Tory-Lib Dem government.”
Paul Tobin, President of the Students’ Union said: “Paul has been a friend, colleague and mentor to me during my time at the Students’ Union and everyone here is hugely proud of what he has achieved.”
Professor Keith Burnett, the Vice-Chancellor said: “I think Paul Blomfield leaving the University to go into Parliament is a great thing for him, but a terrific loss for the University.
“I can’t imagine anyone who has done a better job at running the Students’ Union. We owe him a terrific debt of gratitude and I wish him all the best for his future career.”
Mr. Blomfield joined Labour in 1978 and became head of the Sheffield Labour party in 1993.
He was Chairman of the Sheffield City Trust from 1997 until 2008.
During his time as Chairman the Trust expanded into the English Institute of Sport whilst continuing to run Sheffield’s major leisure facilities including Don Valley Stadium, Ponds Forge and the Hallam FM arena.
He replaces Richard Caborn who has held the Sheffield Central seat since its creation in 1983.
Related posts: