The son of two nineties icons from the worlds of music and sport has been elected as a Labour councillor. James Small-Edwards is certain to have made mum Heather Small and dad Shaun Edwards proud, after he became a new member of City of Westminster council.
The 25-year-old claimed victory in the Bayswater ward - one of three Labour candidates to take a seat in the area following Thursday's local elections. James, who played rugby union for Wasps as a youngster, was thrilled at the result as it was announced earlier this morning (May 6).
He wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely delighted to have won Bayswater from the Conservatives, turning the ward red for the first time since the 1980s. Thanks so much to my family, friends and fellow candidates for all the love and support over the past few months!"
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Dad Shaun, who played rugby league for his hometown club Wigan Warriors from 1983 to 1997 before coaching in rugby union, had already spoken of his admiration for his son's foray into politics. He told the Metro : "I think it’s a noble journey, to make anywhere in the country a better place to live for people."
Mum Heather found fame in band M People - formed by Manchester DJ Mike Pickering - before embarking on a solo career. She won two Brit Awards and a Mercury Prize with M People, whose hits included Moving On Up and One Night in Heaven .
The couple had a long-term relationship in the 1990s, but later split. Heather married lawyer and poet David Neita in 2012.
Former Labour communications chief Alistair Campbell was quick to congratulate James on his victory. He wrote on Twitter: "Hey @JSmallEdwards get your Twitter bio updated.
"You’re not the candidate anymore - but the elected councillor in Bayswater ward, Westminster. I know because your proud dad has been texting to tell me ‘he didn’t just win - he smashed it!’ Time to get your mum’s Proud album out!!"
