| Mathieu Kapplin | |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament | |
| |
| Born | 22nd January 1935 |
| Full name | Mathieu Kapplin |
| Constituency | Vauxhall |
| Political Party | Labour |
| Religion | n/a |
| Spouse | Clara Kapplin |
Mathieu Kapplin MP, BA(1940-) is the Labour Member of Parliament representing Vauxhall.
Origin of 'Mathieu'[]
The name 'Mathieu' is considered by many to be an odd name for a British MP. In his book, "What's in a Name" (Yet to be released), Kapplin outlined how the name in fact was symbolic of a French Soldier who had helped his father to survive after being wounded in the First World War.
Childhood[]
Kapplin's childhood has notably been considered 'sparse' by his constituents. He reportedly was a bright student, and others complimented him on his work ethic. He received a BA in English upon completion of the course at the University of Westminster.
Career[]
After completing National Service in 1955, Kapplin went on to study to become a teacher. During his 10 year stint as an English Teacher in Vauxhall Primary School, he gradually became a more prominent figure within the National Union of Teachers, rising from the lower ranks to a regional spokesman by the time he was selected by the Vauxhall CLP to run as the Labour Candidate for Vauxhall in 1970. Having taken the seat, Kapplin was to sit on the backbenches until he was called to the Shadow Cabinet to take on the role of Shadow Transport Minister. He successfully retained his Vauxhall constituency in the 1974 General Election.