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Michael Sparling was born in Barnstaple, North Devon and went to school in Launceston (Cornwall), Exeter and Plymouth. In 2002, Michael moved to Manchester – a city that remains close to his heart, where he read ‘Philosophy and Politics’. Whilst at university, Michael had the opportunity to live and work in the USA, spending several months on a reciprocal student exchange programme.
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After graduating with Honours in 2005, Michael was elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC), representing the interests of North West members in London. Shortly afterwards, he was selected to work in the constituency office of former government minister Kitty Ussher, who served as MP for Burnley & Padiham.
Prior to returning to his native South West, Michael worked as a legal caseworker, client services manager and researcher at the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Mike has worked on several political campaigns, including those of Linda Gilroy (MP for Plymouth Sutton 1997 – 2010) and Alison Seabeck MP (Plymouth Moorview). In the local election in May 2009, Mike stood as a county council candidate in the Tavistock Division of Devon County Council. At the last general election, Michael was selected as Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency of South East Cornwall. Mike stood again as a local candidate in Devon, May 2011.
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Whilst the West Country remains home, Michael works for Qantas, the Australian national airline and is based in London, though regularly overseas. Michael has undertaken various media appearances, including BBC’s ‘The Politics Show’, ‘Any Questions’ and made contributions to commercial stations, newsprint and online blogs. Michael was a regional organiser on Ed Miliband’s campaign for leadership of the Labour Party. When in London, Michael works in Westminster, as Parliamentary Assistant to Rt Hon Lord Foulkes of Cumnock MSP PC. He works closely with, amongst others, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the Inter Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, various All Party Parliamentary Groups, The Caribbean Council and colleagues from the Scottish Parliament.
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Mike is a member of the Labour Party, The Cooperative Party and also UNITE the Union, Progress and LGBT Labour. He is also a Young Fabian. Mike enjoys fitness, nutrition, photography, social media and he travels extensively.
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Michael Sparling with Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP QC, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
For more information please contact Michael Sparling on 07706840427 or email mikesparling@hotmail.co.uk
Website: labour.org.uk ; to join or renew call 08705 900 200.
