Syd Rapson
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Sydney Norman John Rapson (born 17 April 1942) is a politician in the United Kingdom. He was Labour member of Parliament for Portsmouth North from 1997 until he stood down at the 2005 general election.
Syd Rapson was first elected to the Commons in 1997, after a long career in Portsmouth's local government, including stints as deputy leader of the council and as Lord Mayor.
He had stronger union credentials than many of his intake, having spent many years as an AEEU activist and convenor. In Portsmouth a previously Tory (Conservative) strong hold, Syd Rapson represented the real Labour party of the South and his victory marked the end of not only the Conservative but also the Liberal parties belief that the South was a Labour free zone. Syd Rapson, the man from an 'old school tradition' destroyed the belief touted by the Lib-Dem and Conservative Party that Labour was unelectable in south of England. The Labour party enjoyed healthy majorities in the three major economic, intellectual and industrial hubs (Portsmouth, Southampton and Brighton) of the south coast of England during his time in parliment.
His union links came from his career as an aircraft fitter, which also gave him the strong interest in defence which has been the hallmark of his parliamentary career.
He joined the Commons defence select committee after the 2001 election.
He generally has a very low profile around Parliament; he rarely contributes to debates and sat for four years on the low-key accommodation and works committee.
His moments of public prominence have all been connected to the anti-paedophile protests on the Paulsgrove Estate where he continues to live.
He caused controversy by describing the events as "democracy in action".