John Burton (Political Agent)

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John Burton, of Trimdon Village, County Durham, is a Labour Party councillor^[1] notable for being one of the first to spot the potential of the future U.K. Prime Minister, Tony Blair^[2]. In 1983 the Sedgefield Labour Party found themslves needing to appoint a candidate for the forthcoming election at short notice^[3]. Blair, then a London based barrister, identified Burton, very much a man of the north-east^[4] as a branch secretary willing to consider his candidature and travelled to Trimdon (Burton's power-base) to put his case. Blair secured the nomination, was elected an MP and began his political rise^[5]. Burton has remained one of Blair's inner circle ^[6], and is frequently quoted when national issues impinge on his role^[7]. A man who involves himself in many aspects of local life ^[8] Burton's operating style has recently been called into question^[9].

Burton is, unlike his Newcastle-supporting client, a devoted fan of Sunderland A.F.C..[1]

Notes

1. ^ Elected again on 3rd May 2007 for Fishburn and Old Trimdon Ward.
2. ^ Description of first meeting
3. ^ Rentoul, John (2001). Tony Blair: Prime Minister. Little Brown. p117 ISBN 0-316-85496-4.
4. ^ Background details on Burton's roots
5. ^ Rawnsley, Andrew (2000). Servants of the People: The Inside Story of New Labour. Hamish Hamilton. p98 ISBN 0-241-14029-3
6. ^ In the Sedgefield Council Register of Member's Interests Burton also lists himself as Political Assistant to Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, MP Myrobella House, Farfield Terrace, Trimdon Station, Co. Durham, TS29 6DU.
7. ^ Transition of power from Blair to Gordon Brown
8. ^ The Register also states he is a member of the TGWU, a trustee of Trimdon House, a churchwarden at the (Church of England) Parish Church and a governor of Trimdon College.
9. ^ Allegations of intimidation