President Nixon, whose namesake is campaigning in Brigg and Goole

Nixon back on the campaign trail

Nixon back on the campaign trail

By Aled Thomas

One of the 20th century’s most famous political names is back – and this time he’s Lib Dem.

The party’s candidate in the Lincolnshire constituency of Brigg and Goole is Richard Nixon.

The 46-year-old, who is a manager for the Co-op, says his name gives him an easy ice-breaker on the doorstep.

He told politics.co.uk : “I was born in 63, so it was just after his first run for president. I think my father had a bit of a sense of humour.

“People over 40 do recognise the name and I get called ‘Tricky Dicky’, and I suppose I trot out his achievements when it comes up. This is my first election so at least people remember my name”

But Mr Nixon, who is married with two adult daughters, said his famous namesake had no effects on which side he would choose

He said: “I can categorically say he’s had no bearing on my politics. But at the end of hustings I tell people they’ve got the opportunity to tell their children they voted for Richard Nixon, and it goes down a storm.”

As a Lib Dem Mr Nixon is notionally third in his constituency held by Labour’s Ian Cawsey, and though he says we may not see Richard Nixon in parliament, he thinks he will do well in the election.