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
David Evans (British politician) David Evans (British politician) David John Evans (23 April 1935 – 22 October 2008) was an English business executive and Conservative politician. Born in Edmonton in London, Evans came from a working-class background and attended Tottenham Technical College. He failed his eleven-plus and as a youngster he showed promise as a footballer and cricketer and played for Aston Villa, although without making any first-team appearances, between 1950 and 1954. An opening batsman, he also played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Warwickshire County Cricket Club at cricket, although, again, without making any first-team appearances. In 1960 Evans borrowed £500 to