Gay MP lines up for Parliamentary swim
Westminster politicians including gay MP Chris Bryant and Minister for Women and Equality Meg Munn, are set to get a bit more slippery when they meet for a Commons vs Lords swimming race this summer.
MPs and peers met for a photo shoot this week to publicise the race which aims to raise money for the Women Caring Trust and the Million Dollar Swim, which support children and families in Northern Ireland.
Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, competing for the Commons, appears to stand a good chance as he has been swimming for many years, he told PinkNews.co.uk that he was captain of his school swimming team.
He has also been training with world record swimmer, Duncan Rolley, Mr Bryant said: ” I have been training to improve my stroke and can now swim faster and for longer.”
The event is sponsored by swimwear manufacturer Speedo and will be cheered on by dancers from Stringfellows.
More money, and more waves will be raised in another race between broadcast and newspaper journalists.
The Times assistant editor, Andrew Pierce is captaining the print team, the gay journalist told PinkNews.co.uk confidently, “We are going to destroy the broadcasters.”
Olympic medallist Stephen Parry and Commonwealth Games world record swimmer Duncan Rolley have been providing training for the competition which takes place at Porchester Hall on June 7 2006.
Radio and TV personality Gloria Hunniford will be the master of ceremonies with a secret racing commentator. The Duchess of Gloucester will award trophies to the winning teams.
Other competitors include Lord St John of Blesto, shadow education secretary David Willets and naturist Tory MP Bernard Jenkins.
Conservative MP, Anne Jenkin is organising the event, she said the race reflects reflected “the new competitive spirit abroad in the House of Commons’.”
