David Atkinson

Conor expresses his sadness at the passing of David Atkinson, a former Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, earlier in the week, after a long battle with illness.

Mr Atkinson, who died on Sunday 22nd January, aged 71, was an MP for 28 years until retiring in 2005.

Conor said: “David was a great servant to his constituents and will be sadly missed and remembered by all. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

“David was a source of sound advice and counsel for me since my selection as a Parliamentary candidate.  He understood perfectly the role of an MP to be a community champion for Bournemouth but also understood the limits.  He was a loyal Conservative who put the party before himself. I felt privileged when David told me last year that he was honoured that I was representing him as his MP.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."