Craig Fletcher, games industry veteran, founder of Multiplay and Wicked Sick, was yesterday confirmed as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency of Romsey and Southampton North on the south coast. Meaning that Fletcher will contest the seat in the inevitable, though as yet undated, election.
If he was to succeed, which is a very real possibility, then the industry would gain a big ally in the Houses of Parliament, arguably the first ever MP with serious games industry experience.
And it should be an interesting contest as well, with Fletcher to take on Caroline Nokes, the former Conservative MP, who recently had the whip removed from her after voting against the government on the no deal brexit delay bill. That makes it very hard to predict the outcome, with Nokes, Fletcher and a new Tory candidate the likely front runners.
Fletcher, speaking to MCV, told us about how his career in games would guide his actions in parliament should he be elected:
“Games have been an important part of who I am – both personally and professionally – for my entire adult life. I know their value to our economy and to our society, and I will be a champion for the industry if I am elected to Parliament.
“In particular, I know our industry is one of the most susceptible to the fallout from Brexit, as we rely heavily on our ability to export our world-leading content, whilst needing to attract some of the most talented people across the globe. Avoiding a no deal Brexit is critical but I believe any kind of Brexit is bad for the UK games industry and fully endorse the findings of Games4EU in their Brexit guide.”
MCV wishes Fletcher all the best in his campaign for election.
