9:20am Saturday 20th March 2010
WINCHESTER was better in 1997 than today, Mark Oaten said as he prepares to sign off as the city’s MP.
He added that the race to succeed him could be as tight as his two-vote victory 13 years ago.
In an exclusive interview, he also revealed that if the Lib Dems had chosen him as party leader in 2006 then he would have been “pretty poor”.
Mr Oaten also spoke of his fondness for the Winchester district – where he intends to remain after the election – and its people.
However, he said the city had changed “dramatically” since his 1997 knife-edge victory.
He said: “I don’t mean to be negative but there’s now less space in Winchester and it’s a city less at ease with itself and the pace of life has intensified.
“We’ve seen over-development in the city with greenfield sites under threat and in-fills like Dean Lane.
“The number of cars has increased and clogged the city, and the trains to Waterloo get busier and busier.
“People can’t see an NHS dentist near to them and we’ve seen part of the city centre become run down while we wait for Silver Hill.
“Maybe I’m just becoming a grumpy old man!”
He added that being an MP for 13 years was “very tough”, and was not getting easier.
“It’s been tougher than ever in the last year with the whole row with expenses and we’re under enormous public scrutiny.”
Four years ago, the married father-of-two from Bramdean also found himself in the media spotlight after a fling with a male prostitute.
This week, he said it was “his fault” and had “no complaints” about how it was reported.
He added: “When you go through some difficult times in your life it can be an opportunity to change things and get the work-life balance right.”
The MP said he now spends more time with his family and playing tennis and football. He also wrote a book last year about his experiences called Screwing Up.
“It was quite cathartic though I doubt if Dan Brown will lose any sleep on the best sellers’ list. I’m not even sure how many copies have been sold.”
He added that he had “no regrets” about his decision following the scandal to step down at the next election.
“I think it was probably the right time after three terms anyway,” he said.
Though shortly into his third stint he put his name forward in the Lib Dem leadership race.
“You get wrapped up in what people write about you,” he said this week.
“Some bookies had me as favourite and there’s a dangerous element of ego – you really have to pinch yourself.”
The former Lib Dem home affairs spokesman revealed this week that he was not cut out for party leader.
“I think it’s something I would have been pretty poor at,” he said.
Mr Oaten also admitted that he found Westminster debates daunting.
“When I spoke in the commons it just never felt comfortable and I wish I’d got to grips with that.”
The MP, who has been criticised by some opponents for missing votes, also spoke of his “frustration” at trying to get things done in Westminster.
“The fact is you’re meant to be in two places at once, which is quite a challenge if you want to be a community champion.”
He added that his private members bill to stop children being bought overseas for adoption was one example of a Westminster success.
Another was his campaign for Allied POWs to be compensated for their treatment by Japan in World War Two.
“Interestingly, it was easier to get £10,000 compensation each than an apology,” he said.
He added that his greatest satisfaction came from helping people at surgeries and the feeling of a “job well done”.
In terms of his next job, Mr Oaten is in talks with four or five groups, but was tight-lipped on his potential role.
“There are several causes I’m involved in, such as prison reform, but I won’t be looking for a job in the City of London.”
As for his successor, he added that his best advice was to “learn how to say no” to stop them being overwhelmed by work.
He predicts that the Winchester election race will be close, as will the new Meon Valley seat that is part of his old constituency.
“Everything is to play for and it could be down to two votes again,” he said.
He added that one of his fondest memories were the messages of support from residents, even in his darkest days.
“If they say one thing about me I’d like it to be ‘he did his best’,” he said.
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