Dr Desmond Turner - MP for Brighton Kemptown 1997 - 2010

Dr Desmond Turner has been the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown since 1997. He decided in 1997 that he would step down as MP at this general election.

The Kemptown constituency stretches from Grand Parade and St James's Street in central Brighton to Moulsecoomb, Woodingdean, Rottingdean and Peacehaven. Labour's candidate in this election is Simon Burgess.

Des was born in Southampton and studied at Imperial College and University College London, gaining a doctorate in research chemistry. Des is married and lives in Brighton.  He previously served as a councillor on Brighton and Hove and East Sussex councils.

In Parliament Des has sat on the House of Commons Science and Technology, Innovation, Universities, Science & Skills Committee, and the Environmental Audit Select Commitee. He was a member of the Joint Committee on the Climate Change Bill, Vice-chair of the All-Party Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group and Secretary of the All-Party Climate Change Group.

His political interests include Health, Social Services, Employment, Disability, Housing, Science Policy, Animal Welfare, Fuel Poverty and Renewable Energy. He is a member of the Commons group on Cuba.

Des is also a keen sailor, and chaired the House of Commons All-Party Yacht Club.