Two Lincolnshire parliamentarians, Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, and Karl McCartney, who represents the neighbouring constituency Lincoln, have shared in the victory of the Commons 8 over the House of Lords in the annual Parliamentary Boat Race.

On Wednesday, 14th September 2016 the tenth Annual Parliamentary Boat Race took place on the Thames between Lambeth and Westminister bridges, in replicas of the wooden boats used in the 1829 Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race.

Karl and Sir Edward were part of the Commons 8 which secured victory over their House of Lords rivals, who in recent years have tended to be the more successful team the Commons 8 are captained by Dr. Matthew Offord MP who, prior to the race, said:

“We have a good balance of experience and enthusiastic novices. Sir Edward Leigh’s river knowledge and Toby Perkins’ strength and long levers put us in confident mood.”

Following the race Sir Edward said:

“Today’s event is at last a win for the House of Commons against the House of Lords in the annual Parliamentary Boat Race, who have enjoyed a winning streak in recent years. I was that fellow Lincolnshire MP, Karl McCartney, was in the boat with me.”

The race helped to raise £10,000 for charity supporting the Company of Watermen & Lighermen, London Youth Rowing and the Matt Hampson Foundation. Karl McCartney commented:

“I want to record my thanks to all involved in the Parliamentary Boat Race, particularly my colleagues in the Commons 8 and the event’s sponsor the International Sports Promotion Society. It has been a great afternoon and we have supported some really great charities.”