2001 United Kingdom general election previous autumn had shown the first Tory lead (though only by a narrow margin) in the opinion polls for eight years as they benefited from the public anger towards the government over the fuel protests which had led to a severe shortage of motor fuel. By the end of 2000, however, the dispute had been solved and Labour were firmly back in the lead of the opinion polls. In total, a mere 29 parliamentary seats changed hands at the 2001 Election. One of the more noted events of a quiet campaign was when countryside protester Craig Evans threw an egg
Edward Evans (politician) decade after his death he was described as "the spokesman for the deaf in this House". As well as being governor or committee-member of numerous bodies related to disability, he wrote "A Manual Alphabet for the Deaf-blind" and edited "Braille Schools" magazine.The Edward Evans Hall, which served as the Beccles Labour Club, now demolished was erected in his honour. In November 1915, Evans married (Victoria) Evelyn Muir, daughter of Robert Muir. She died in 1953, after the couple had had two sons. He died at his home in Pinner on 30 March 1960, aged 77. Edward Evans (politician) Edward Evans