Hirst says Labour APPG candidate could 'operate with greater freedom'

Candidates from a range of parties are currently being considered among a shortlist of promising leads to replace Tory MP Nick de Bois, who recently told C&IT that he aims to hand over to a successor within the year, casting doubt over the event industry's future representation in Parliament.

"We're looking at a range of options to replace Nick," said Hirst. "Perhaps a Labour or opposition, candidate might benefit the group because they could operate with greater freedom in their daily work, without the restrictions that being aligned to the party that is currently in power can bring."

He added that de Bois' contribution to the role has been excellent, helping to spearhead a number of important initiatives that have raised the importance of events in the government's consciousness.

De Bois, the Conservative member for Enfield North, was elected chair of the APPG in March 2011.