Political Career
In 1988, as a backbencher Nelson introduced a successful private members bill to televise the House of Commons despite Margaret Thatcher being against the move. Initially this was for a 18 month trial period before being introduced on a permanent basis owing to support from key parliamentarians (e.g. the Deputy speaker Betty Boothroyd).
As a junior minister from 1992 to 1997, he worked first at HM Treasury and then in the Department for Trade and Industry.
Three days before the 2001 general election he announced that he had joined the Labour Party, saying that he believed "only Tony Blair offers the leadership and vision this country needs". It is not believed that he has since re-joined the Conservative Party.
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