Cod Almighty | Article

by Simon Wilson

4 October 2002

Flamboyant Labour MP for Great Grimsby, Austin Mitchell, has decided to change his name by Deed Poll to 'Austin Haddock' in support of Seafood Week (4-11 October) and the drive to get people to eat more fish. And Cod Almighty is lending its support to Austin's cause.

Grimsby's largest employer and the UK's leading seafood company, Young's, has sponsored Austin to change his name so that he can now officially be known as 'Austin Haddock' MP.

The name change forms part of an overall Seafood Week campaign by Young's and the Seafish Industry Authority (SFIA) to promote seafood and support the UK's fishing industry. The initiative seeks to encourage consumers to be more adventurous and try new kinds of fish.

"I am keen to back any initiative which promotes seafood. The fish industry is still an integral part of the way of life in Grimsby and Young's is one of the town's largest employers. I thought this would be a fun way of getting some more publicity for the seafood cause. I think this may be the first time that an MP has changed his name - at least to Haddock! I might even think about changing the name on my letterheads!"

Austin's wife, Linda is amused by the name change: "He's always been a character and enjoys fun things like this. I think it's great - I'm even considering changing my name to chips!"

His four children are a little more sceptical about the name change. "I think Dad's mad to be changing his name to Haddock. What will it be next Seafood Week? Austin Mackerel? Austin Swordfish?" said Austin's daughter, Hannah.

Commenting on his choice of name, Austin says: "'Haddock' was a natural choice for my 'fishy' surname. I've been brought up on this great fish and Grimsby's fish market is the best place to get it!"

An MP for 25 years, Austin (68) loves his haddock and eats it regularly. He even celebrated his 25th Anniversary as an MP with a fish and chip supper.

"My time spent in New Zealand in the 1960's gave me the chance to sample a wide range of seafood. It's such a major part of the diet both there, and in Australia. I think us Brits could do more to be a little more adventurous with our seafood. But for now, I'm sticking to Haddock."

Austin is also supporting Grimsby's local fishing industry, the main source of income for the local economy. A member of the Select Committee for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, his connection and a founding member of "Save Britain's Fish" campaign, fish is a cause close to Austin's heart.

"I have strong links with the local fishing community and with the Grimsby-based seafood company, Young's. Fish is the backbone of Grimsby's economy and is an integral part of its heritage and its future."

For more information visit www.seafoodweek.co.uk and www.youngsfish.co.uk