Rudi Vis - Parliamentary Career

Parliamentary Career

Vis was elected as MP for Finchley and Golders Green in the 1997 general election. This was one of Labour's more unexpected victories — part of the constituency formed the Finchley constituency once held by Margaret Thatcher — and Vis had not even taken leave of his post as an economics lecturer prior to the victory.

He was re-elected in 2001 with a slightly increased majority, but in 2005 his majority slumped to 741, following an increase in support for the Liberal Democrats in the constituency. His constituency was one of the top Conservative targets at the 2010 general election, needing only a swing of 0.2% to the Tories. Vis stood down at the 2010 general election.

Vis sat on the Council of Europe. His views were generally, though not dogmatically, to the left of the party. He abstained in the mayoral candidate selection of 2000. He opposed the use of PPP for the London Underground, the war on Iraq, top-up fees and foundation hospitals. However, he voted in favour of the government's controversial counter-terrorism legislation.

According to Dr Vis, his proudest achievement in Parliament was responding to 90% of letters within three working days.