Constituency : Norfolk North 2001- ?
Norman took Norfolk North from the Tories at the third attempt by just 483 votes.
Norman was born in Watford. His father was a climatologist and academic. He was educated at Wymondham College and Leicester University. He became a solicitor, developing an expertise in employment law. In 1981 he worked for a short time as a researcher for Labour's Grenville Janner. He met Shirley Williams in Parliament and was persuaded to join the Alliance though as a Liberal. He was elected to Norwich City Council where he led the Liberal Democrat group. He increased the Liberal Democrat vote against the trend in 1992 then came close to taking the seat in 1997.
Norman became a spokesman on international development and PPS to Charles Kennedy. He vastly increased his majority in 2005 and became trade spokesman. He was chief of staff to new leader Menzies Campbell then became health spokesman where he was particularly impressive,
Norman increased his majority again in 2010 . New Health Secretary Andrew Lansley vetoed him as a health minister. Instead he was PPS to Nick Clegg then in 2012 became a minister in Vince Cable's department.
Norman survived the 2015 election with a reduced majority. With some misgivings, he stood for the party leadership but was defeated by Tim Farron. His constituency voted leave in the European referendum posing problems for him but he was able to retain his seat in 2017 with a further reduced majority. In 2018 he suffered a stroke which he put down to lack of sleep. Earlier this year he threatened to leave the party over its uncompromising stance on Brexit.
Norman campaigns on health provision in rural areas and mental health.He supports the legalisation of cannabis. He is chair of the science and technology select committee.
He is now 61.
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