After Dinner Speakers: Alan Beith, Jose Feliciano, Kiefer Sutherland

Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick-upon-Tweed, a constituency he first won in 1973 with a majority of only 57, Alan Beith is the partys Deputy Leader and therefore shadow to John Prescott. Previously a politics lecturer at Newcastle University and broadcaster, Alan Beith is regarded as the sober, sensible thinking liberal. As such he takes much credit with Charles Kennedy for the improving fortunes of the Liberal Democrats. A member of the Privy Council since 1992, a Methodist lay preacher and Chairman of the Historic Chapels Trust, Alan Beith is held in high regard by his opponents and colleagues alike. Dignified when faced with family tragedy, Alan is a most interesting speaker with a succinct and perceptive mind.