View source for Lembit Öpik

{{Short description|British politician}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| name             = Lembit Öpik
| image            = Lembit opik interview crop.jpg
| caption          = Öpik in 2010
| honorific-suffix =
| office           = [[Liberal Democrat Frontbench Team|Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Housing]]
| term_start       = 20 December 2007
| term_end         = 24 September 2008
| leader           = [[Nick Clegg]]
| predecessor      = [[Paul Holmes (Chesterfield MP)|Paul Holmes]]
| successor        = [[Sarah Teather]]
| office2          = [[Liberal Democrat Frontbench Team|Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform]]
| term_start2      = 4 July 2007
| term_end2        = 20 December 2007
| leader2          = [[Menzies Campbell]]
| predecessor2     = [[Susan Kramer]]
| successor2       = [[Sarah Teather]]
| office3          = [[Liberal Democrat Frontbench Team|Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Wales and Northern Ireland]]
| term_start3      = 26 January 2004
| term_end3        = 4 July 2007
| leader3          = [[Charles Kennedy]]<br />Menzies Campbell
| successor3       = [[Alistair Carmichael]]<br /><small>(Lib Dem Spokesman for Northern Ireland)</small><br />[[Roger Williams (British politician)|Roger Williams]]<br /><small>(Lib Dem Spokesperson for Wales)</small>
| office4          = Leader of the [[Welsh Liberal Democrats]]
| leader4          = [[Charles Kennedy]] <br /> [[Sir Menzies Campbell]]
| term_start4      = 17 September 2001
| term_end4        = 13 October 2007
| predecessor4     = [[Richard Livsey]]
| successor4       = [[Mike German]]
| office5          = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] <br /> for [[Montgomeryshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Montgomeryshire]]
| majority5        = <!--7,173 (23.8%)-->
| term_start5      = 2 May 1997
| term_end5        = 12 April 2010
| predecessor5     = [[Alex Carlile]]
| successor5       = [[Glyn Davies (Welsh politician)|Glyn Davies]]
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1965|3|2}}
| birth_place      = [[Bangor, County Down|Bangor]], County Down, Northern Ireland
| nationality      = British
| spouse           =
| partner          = [[Siân Lloyd]] (2002–2006)<br>[[Gabriela Irimia]] (2006–2008)<br>Sabina Vankova (2015–)
| children         = 2 daughters <ref name="ShropStar05122020" />
| party            = [[Reform UK]] (since 2025)
| otherparty       = {{ublist
 | [[Independent politician|Independent]] (2021–2025)
 | [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] (1991–2021)
}}
| alma_mater       = [[University of Bristol]]
}}

'''Lembit Öpik''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|m|b|ɪ|t|_|ˈ|oʊ|p|ɪ|k}}, {{IPA|et|ˈlembit ˈøpˑik|lang}}; born 2 March 1965) is a British former politician of Estonian descent. A former member of the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], he served as the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for the [[constituency]] of [[Montgomeryshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Montgomeryshire]] in Wales from 1997 until he lost his seat at the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]].<ref name="Parliament_UK">[https://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/lembit-%C3%B6pik/559/ Members of the House of Commons. Lembit Öpik]. — ''[[Parliament of the United Kingdom|The Parliament of the United Kingdom]]''</ref><ref name="Opik_election_2010">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/wales/8667496.stm Lembit Opik's loss in Montgomery spoils Lib Dem night]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 7 May 2010</ref> He was the leader of the [[Welsh Liberal Democrats]] from 2001 to 2007.<ref name="Opik_WelshLD_1">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7043222.stm Opik to step down from party post]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 13 October 2007</ref><ref name="Opik_WelshLD_2">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7661937.stm Race open for new Lib Dem leader]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 11 October 2008</ref>

Öpik stood unsuccessfully for the position of [[President of the Liberal Democrats|President]] of the party in 2004<ref name="Opik_LD_President_Election_2004">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3618178.stm Hughes is new Lib Dem president]. – ''[[BBC]]'', 2 September 2004</ref> and 2008.<ref name="Opik_LD_President_Election_2008">Deborah Summers. [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/nov/10/lembitopik-liberaldemocrats Öpik gracious in defeat]. — ''[[The Guardian]]'', 10 November 2008</ref> He was also unsuccessful in a bid to become the Liberal Democrats' nominee in the [[2012 London mayoral election]].<ref name="Opik_LD_Mayoral_Election_2012">[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-14769761 Brian Paddick beats Lembit Opik in Lib Dem London mayor vote]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 2 September 2011</ref>

Beyond his political work, Öpik has also been in the public eye through his appearances on several television shows and as a result of his personal relationships with [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] weather presenter [[Siân Lloyd]] and with pop star Gabriela Irimia of [[the Cheeky Girls]], which drew considerable media attention.

==Early life==
Öpik's parents were from [[Estonia]], but after [[Occupation of the Baltic states|the Soviet occupation under Joseph Stalin]], they fled to [[Northern Ireland]].  Öpik was born in [[Bangor, County Down]], the elder son of Liivi Öpik (née Vedo) and physicist [[Uuno Öpik]] (19 October 1926&nbsp;– 6 May 2005), and grew up there with sister Urve Öpik (born 1960, a [[psychotherapist]]) and brother Endel "Tal" Öpik (12 April 1968&nbsp;– 21 November 2005,<ref name="parliament_cm200506">{{cite web |work=Hansard, House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo051123/debtext/51123-20.htm |title=House of Commons Debates for 23 November 2005 (pt 20) |publisher=The Stationery Office |date=23 November 2005}}</ref> a musician). His grandfather was [[Ernst Öpik]], an Estonian astronomer who worked at [[Armagh Observatory]].<ref name="Opik_Family_1">Silver Tambur. [http://estonianworld.com/life/former-british-mp-lembit-opik-considers-running-for-estonian-president/ Former British MP Lembit Öpik considers running for Estonian presidency]. – ''Estonian World'', 22 November 2018</ref><ref name="Opik_Family_2">Lynn Barber. [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/jun/15/lembitopik Interview: Lembit Opik]. – ''[[The Guardian]]'', 15 June 2008</ref><ref name="ES_Opik_Bio">[https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/from-bangor-to-boris-with-lembit-opik-7303918.html From Bangor to Boris with Lembit Opik]. — ''[[Evening Standard]]'', 3 January 2012</ref>

Öpik was educated at the [[Royal Belfast Academical Institution]] and [[Bishop Milner Catholic College]] before going on to the [[University of Bristol]], where he completed a degree in philosophy. He served as the President of the [[University of Bristol Union]] (1985–86) and as a member of the National Executive of the [[National Union of Students (United Kingdom)|National Union of Students]] (1987–88).<ref name="BBC_Opik_Bio">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/candidates/candidates/4/41005.stm Vote 2001: Candidates. Lembit Opik]. — ''[[BBC]]''</ref><ref name="ES_Opik_Bio" /><ref name="Guardian_Opik_NUS">Claire Phipps, Tamsin Irwin. [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/mar/16/studentpolitics.education The past masters on the present NUS]. — ''[[The Guardian]]'', 16 March 1999</ref>

In 1988, Öpik joined [[Procter & Gamble]] in Newcastle upon Tyne as a brand assistant. He became corporate training and organisation development manager in 1991 and was promoted to be global human resources training manager in 1996. Öpik was elected to the Liberal Democrats' Federal Executive Committee in 1991. He was elected as a councillor on [[Newcastle City Council]] in 1992.<ref name="BBC_Opik_Bio" /><ref name="BBC_Opik_Early_LD">[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/521709.stm UK: Wales. Health on the agenda for public debate]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 16 November 1999</ref>

Öpik stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for [[Newcastle upon Tyne Central]] in the [[1992 United Kingdom general election|1992 general election]] and for [[Northumbria (European Parliament constituency)|Northumbria]] in the 1994 European Parliament elections.

==Parliamentary and party career==

===Member of Parliament===
At the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 general election]], the Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, [[Alex Carlile]], retired and Öpik successfully stood as the Lib Dem candidate.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/jun/15/lembitopik|title=The interview: Lembit Opik|first=Lynn|last=Barber|date=14 June 2008|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref>  He retained the seat at the [[2001 United Kingdom general election|2001 general election]] and at the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 general election]], increasing his share of the vote by 3.5% in 2001<ref name="bbc_vote2001">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/410.stm |title=Vote 2001 – Results & Constituencies – Montgomeryshire |publisher=BBC News |access-date=7 May 2010}}</ref> and by a further 1.8% in 2005, giving him a majority of 7,173 over the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] candidate.<ref name="guardian1139">{{cite news|url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0,,-1139,00.html |title=Montgomeryshire – Aristotle |work=Guardian Unlimited Politics |publisher=The Guardian |access-date=7 May 2010 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208185104/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0%2C%2C-1139%2C00.html |archive-date= 8 February 2009 }}</ref> However, he lost his seat to the Conservative [[Glyn Davies (Welsh politician)|Glyn Davies]] following a 13.2% swing in Montgomeryshire at the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]].<ref name="bbc_w23">{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/w23.stm |work=BBC News |title=Election 2010 – Montgomeryshire |access-date=7 May 2010}}</ref><ref name="Parliament_UK"/><ref name="Opik_election_2010"/>

Öpik served as the Liberal Democrat spokesman on education (1997), Northern Ireland (1997–2007), Wales (2001–07), business (2007), and housing (2007–08).<ref name="guardian5739">{{cite news|url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/parliament/0,,-5739,00.html |title=Biographical details in ''The Guardian'' |work=The Guardian |date=13 June 2008 |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184427/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/parliament/0%2C%2C-5739%2C00.html |archive-date= 9 May 2008 }}</ref>

During the 1997–2001 Parliament, Öpik was a member of the [[Agriculture Select Committee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=House of Commons - Agriculture - First Report |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmagric/94/9401.htm |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref> During the 2001–05 Parliament, Öpik was a member of the [[Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee]] in the House of Commons. He was the joint chair of the [[Fox hunting legislation#The Parliamentary Middle Way group|Middle Way Group]], a cross-party parliamentary group which supported the regulation, rather than the banning, of [[fox hunting]].

===Welsh party leadership===
Öpik became leader of the [[Welsh Liberal Democrats]] in 2001 following the retirement of [[Richard Livsey]]. He stood down in 2007 and was succeeded by [[Mike German]].<ref name="Opik_WelshLD_1"/><ref name="Opik_WelshLD_2"/>

===Campaigns for party presidency===
In September 2004, Öpik stood for the position of [[President of the Liberal Democrats]] but was defeated by [[Simon Hughes]]. The party president chairs a number of party committees and also represents the party at official functions.<ref name="Opik_LD_President_Election_2004"/>

In 2008, a campaign amongst [[grassroots]] party members backing him as a successor to Hughes, under the slogan "I Pick Öpik", emerged at the party's 2008 spring conference in Liverpool. On 24 September, Öpik announced that he was standing down as the party's housing spokesman to concentrate on a campaign for party president.<ref name="bbc7634119">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7634119.stm |title=Opik Leaves Lib Dem Front Bench |publisher=BBC News |date=24 September 2008}}</ref> However, in the party ballot in November, Öpik was defeated by [[Baroness Scott of Needham Market]] by 20,736 votes to 6,247.<ref name="bbc7717659">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7717659.stm |title=Ros Scott named Lib Dem president |publisher=BBC News |date=8 November 2008}}</ref><ref name="Opik_LD_President_Election_2008"/>

===Support for party leadership candidates===
In successive [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] leadership contests, Öpik gained a reputation for backing campaigns that soon collapsed, leading some to talk of the "curse of Lembit" making his backing undesirable.<ref name="wales20054063">{{cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/welsh-politics/welsh-politics-news/2007/11/03/opik-sides-with-clegg-on-lib-dem-vote-91466-20054063 |title=Opik sides with Clegg on Lib-Dem vote |date=3 November 2007 |work=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]] |publisher=Media Wales Ltd}}</ref> In 1999, he was one of only two of the party's 46 MPs to back the abortive leadership campaign of [[Don Foster, Baron Foster of Bath|Don Foster]]. Foster abandoned his campaign before nominations even closed, and backed [[Charles Kennedy]], the eventual winner, instead.<ref name="Opik_LD_Leadership">Matthew Bell. [https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/the-ios-diary-5338627.html The IoS diary]. — ''[[The Independent]]'', 27 January 2008</ref>

During the [[2006 Liberal Democrats leadership election|2006 leadership contest]], Öpik was initially a strong supporter of Kennedy, who then stood down. Öpik subsequently became campaign manager for [[Mark Oaten]]. However, Oaten quickly withdrew from the contest, having failed to attract enough support from within the parliamentary party; his only backers were Öpik and [[Baroness Ludford]]. In the [[2007 Liberal Democrats leadership election|2007 leadership election]], Öpik declared his backing for [[Nick Clegg]], and when Clegg won the election Öpik said "My man won, so the curse of Öpik has at last become a blessing".<ref name="guardian_uk6">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/dec/18/liberaldemocrats.uk6 |title=Clegg's election: reaction in quotes |author=Claire Truscott |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=18 December 2007 |location=London}}</ref>

Öpik supported [[Jenny Randerson]] in the 2008 contest for leadership of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Randerson lost to [[Kirsty Williams]].<ref name="bbc7704992">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7704992.stm |title=AM starts Lib Dem leadership bid |publisher=BBC News |date=3 November 2008}}</ref> Öpik supported [[Tim Farron]] in the 2015 Liberal Democrat leadership election, who eventually won with a margin of 13%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.markpack.org.uk/132966/and-the-candidate-lembit-opik-is-backing-for-lib-dem-leader-is/|title=And the man Lembit Opik is backing for Lib Dem leader is...|date=24 June 2015|website=Mark Pack}}</ref>

===Expenses row and criticism===
In May 2009 ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published details of Öpik's [[United Kingdom parliamentary expenses scandal|parliamentary expenses claims]]. It showed that in 2008–2009 he claimed £23,083 in second home allowances out of public funds, including various items of furniture and a £40 [[summons]] charge for non-payment of [[Council Tax]]. Öpik told ''The Telegraph'' "I am willing to pay back the £40" but did not offer to repay anything else. ''The Telegraph'' also outlined a rejected expense claim he had attempted to make for £2,499 for a [[Plasma display|plasma screen television]], after which he bought one costing £750.<ref name="telegraph5314613">{{cite news |last=Swaine |first=Jon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5314613/Lembit-Opik-forced-to-pay-for-own-2500-plasma-TV-MPs-expenses.html |title=Lembit Opik forced to pay for own £2,500 plasma TV : MPs' expenses |publisher=The Telegraph |date=13 May 2009 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="wales8047205">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/8047205.stm |title=Opik to repay tax summons expense |publisher=BBC News |date=13 May 2009}}</ref>

==Post-parliament career==
Öpik lost his seat in parliament at the 2010 general election when he was defeated in his constituency of Montgomeryshire by [[Glyn Davies (politician)|Glyn Davies]] of the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] by 13,976 votes to 12,792. This represented a swing of 12.5% against Öpik and a swing of 13.8% in favour of the Conservatives in the constituency.<ref name="Opik_election_2010" /> Öpik put himself forward to be the Liberal Democrats' nominee for mayor of London in the 2012 mayoral election, but in the first round of the party's selection ballot, he came fourth with 252 votes and was eliminated from the process.<ref name="guardian_sep02">{{cite news|last=Mulholland|first=Hélène|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/sep/02/brian-paddick-liberal-democrats-london |title=Brian Paddick picked by Liberal Democrats for London mayoral race |work=Guardian Unlimited Politics |publisher=The Guardian |date=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="Opik_LD_Mayoral_Election_2012" />

Öpik was a candidate for the Liberal Democrats' federal executive committee in 2012 but was not elected.<ref name="12fex">{{cite web | url=http://www.crosenstiel.webspace.virginmedia.com/ldelections/12fex.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206031738/http://www.crosenstiel.webspace.virginmedia.com/ldelections/12fex.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 December 2012 | title=Federal executive committee }}</ref> He also expressed an interest in becoming the Liberal Democrats' candidate for the position of [[Police and crime commissioner]] for [[Northumbria Police]] in 2012. However, he was ruled ineligible because he did not have a residence in the region.<ref name="sun31796574">{{cite news |url=http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2012/09/09/lembit-opik-misses-out-on-lib-dem-top-cop-bid-79310-31796574/ |title=Lembit Opik misses out on Lib Dem top cop bid |work=Sunday Sun |date=9 September 2012}}</ref>

Late in 2012, he joined Leadenhall Consulting, a human resources consulting firm specialising in the insurance and financial sectors, as an associate director responsible for developing training. On joining the firm, Öpik explained that training is his "first love".<ref name="ins_opik">{{cite web |url=https://www.insuranceday.com/people_and_community/ex-mp-lembit-opik-brings-a-fresh-approach-to-london-market-insurance-training.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326134504/https://www.insuranceday.com/people_and_community/ex-mp-lembit-opik-brings-a-fresh-approach-to-london-market-insurance-training.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2013 |title=Ex-MP Lembit Öpik brings a 'fresh approach' to London market insurance training |first=Richard |last=Banks |date=10 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="ins2236413">{{cite web | url=http://www.insuranceage.co.uk/insurance-age/news/2236413/lembit-opik-tells-brokers-to-be-less-risk-averse |title=Lembit Opik tells brokers to be "less risk averse" |date=15 January 2013 |first=Andrew |last=Pearce}}</ref> Öpik is a long-time supporter of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) and a keen motorcyclist. On 23 November 2013, it was announced that Öpik had joined MAG as director of communications and public affairs. In the post, he will work on behalf of motorcyclists in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lembit Öpik adds passion and power to MAG's Communications and Campaigns Team|url=http://www.mag-uk.org/en/newsdetail/a7162|publisher=Motorcycle Action Group|access-date=20 December 2013|location=Warwick|date=23 November 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220164255/http://www.mag-uk.org/en/newsdetail/a7162|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He presents{{when|date=October 2020}} programmes on [[BBC Radio Kent]]<ref>[http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Cheeky-Girl-s-ex-present-Radio-Kent-shows/story-25818238-detail/story.html "Cheeky Girl's ex to present Radio Kent shows"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115012931/http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Cheeky-Girl-s-ex-present-Radio-Kent-shows/story-25818238-detail/story.html |date=15 January 2015 }}, ''Canterbury Times'', 7 January 2015</ref> every Friday morning from 9:00 where he hosts the topical [[Kent Midmorning]] phone-in, and every Sunday from 11:00 where he presents a news panel format, digesting the week's local, national and international stories, looking at the newspapers, welcoming expert guests and politicians for discussions as well as taking calls from listeners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_kent|title=BBC – Radio Kent – Home|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> He also regularly stands in for Julia George on other weekday mornings. Since 2010, he has broadcast for [[Press TV]], including hosting a news satire show and a number of political news programmes. He currently{{when|date=October 2020}} hosts ''A Simple Question''.

On 24 June 2018, Öpik was elected as the chairman of the self-proclaimed and unrecognised parliament of the micronation [[Asgardia]] during the first parliamentary session in [[Vienna]], Austria.<ref name="Opik_Asgardia_Ind">Anthony Cuthbertson. [https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/space-kingdom-asgardia-nation-iq-tests-citizens-a8417276.html 'Space kingdom' Asgardia wants IQ tests for wannabe citizens]. — ''[[The Independent]]'', 26 June 2018</ref><ref name="Opik_Asgardia_F24">[https://www.france24.com/en/20180625-new-head-space-nation-aims-stars New head of 'space nation' aims for the stars]. — ''[[France 24]]'', 25 June 2018</ref><ref name="Opik_Asgardia_RFI">[http://es.rfi.fr/ciencia/20180626-que-es-asgardia-la-primera-nacion-espacial-autoproclamada ¿Qué es Asgardia, la primera 'nación espacial'?] — ''[[Radio France Internationale]]'', 26 June 2018</ref> "The birth of the new space nation Asgardia" was announced in a press conference in Paris, France, on 12 October 2016<ref name="Science_Asgardia">Daniel Clery. [https://www.science.org/content/article/space-oddity-group-claims-have-created-nation-space Space oddity: Group claims to have created nation in space]. — ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'', 12 October 2016</ref><ref name="BBC_Asgardia">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37650274 Scientists plan to create 'Asgardia' nation state in space]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 13 October 2016</ref><ref name="Businessinsider_Asgardia">Dave Mosher. [https://www.businessinsider.com/asgardia-space-nation-law-2016-10 A multinational group wants you to join 'Asgardia'—the first outer space nation with a mission to defend Earth]. — ''[[Business Insider Australia]]'', 13 October 2016</ref> Öpik was elected for a second term as ''Chair of Asgardian Parliament'' on 25 August 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://asgardia.space/en/news/Lembit-Opik-Elected-for-Second-Term-as-Chair-of-Asgardian-Parliament |title=Lembit Öpik Elected for Second Term as Chair of Asgardian Parliament |publisher=Asgardia |date=26 August 2023 |accessdate=2 September 2023}}</ref>

In the autumn of 2018, Öpik considered participating in [[Estonian elections]]. He said he had been asked to consider being either a member of the [[Estonian parliament]], or to consider running as [[President of Estonia|president]]. "One position is just to be a member of parliament, which I would not mind doing", he said. "The other position is president of Estonia. It is more than just a non-executive role—I could make quite a big splash. I have not got a campaign plan but I have said I would be interested. It's not an appointed job, I would have to stand for it."<ref name="Opik_Estonia_BBC">[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-46261059 Lembit Opik considers president of Estonia race]. — ''[[BBC]]'', 19 November 2018</ref><ref name="Opik_Estonia_ShS">Jonny Drury. [https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/politics/2018/11/21/former-montgomeryshire-mp-lembit-keen-for-estonian-parliament-bid/ Former Montgomeryshire MP Lembit keen for Estonian parliament bid]. — ''[[Shropshire Star]]'', 21 November 2018</ref><ref name="Opik_NG">Steve Goodale. [https://newsgrowl.com/lembit-opik-endorsed-estonian-presidency/ Former UK MP Lembit Opik endorsed in bid for Estonian presidency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204552/https://newsgrowl.com/lembit-opik-endorsed-estonian-presidency/ |date=31 March 2019 }}. — ''News Growl'', 1 December 2018</ref>

In 2021, Öpik was reported to have been expelled from the Liberal Democrats following his appearance at a Conservative Party meeting as the sole speaker in an event called "How to Stop the Lib Dems, an insiders guide on how the Lib Dems plan their campaigns."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nation.cymru/news/former-welsh-lib-dem-leader-expelled-for-advising-tories-on-how-to-beat-the-party/ |title=Former Welsh Lib Dem leader 'expelled' for advising Tories on how to beat the party |publisher=Nation.Cymru |date=8 June 2021}}</ref>

In September 2022 he was announced as an upcoming speaker at the 2022 [[UKIP]] conference.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=UKIP|number=1572692070439043073|title=Join us at our National Party conference In Skegness on the 10th of October, speakers include: Lembit Opik}}</ref> and addressed the conference on "wokeness" in October.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GFuS3D9H70|title=Conference 2022: Lembit Opik|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

In August 2025, he joined Reform at the 2025 [[Reform UK]] conference.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ex-Lib dem MP Lembit Opik mulls over Reform UK run as party's star donor also refuses to rule out 2029 bid | url=https://www.gbnews.com/politics/nigel-farage-lembit-opik-zia-yusuf-reform-uk }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=September 2025}} He told a reporter: "I go where the money is."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childs |first=Simon |date=2025-09-08 |title=From Royal Cancer Conspiracies to ‘Nut Zero’: 5 Wild Moments From Reform Party Conference |url=https://novaramedia.com/2025/09/08/from-royal-cancer-conspiracies-to-nut-zero-5-wild-moments-from-reform-party-conference/ |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Novara Media |language=en}}</ref>

==Journalism and media appearances==
===Public appearances===
Öpik has appeared several times on the [[BBC]] satirical [[current affairs (news format)|current affairs]] quiz show ''[[Have I Got News for You]]'', including an appearance on the day after he lost his parliamentary seat. He has also appeared on the BBC's ''[[Question Time (TV programme)|Question Time]]'' and ''[[Any Questions?]]'' Away from politics, he has also appeared on ''[[Stand Up for the Week]]'', ''[[Al Murray's Happy Hour]]'', ''[[All Star Mr & Mrs]]'', ''[[Loose Women]]'', ''[[Bargain Hunt|Bargain Hunt Famous Finds]]'', ''[[Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway]]'' and ''[[Come Dine with Me]]'', ''[[Celebrity Juice]]'' and ''[[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British TV series)|I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!]]''

In June 2010, he made his debut as a comedian at the Backstage Comedy Club in [[London's West End]]. It was described by one audience member as "not fantastic, but not completely awful".<ref name="bbc10222918">{{cite news |last=Osbourne |first=Paul |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10222918 |title=Former MP Lembit Opik begins comedy career in London |publisher=BBC News |date=3 June 2010}}</ref>

Öpik also gained media attention for his part in a music video by unsigned band The Good Suns. The video featured the politician dancing and miming lyrics to their debut song "Pop Wound".<ref name="pop-wound">{{cite web |url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/the-good-suns---pop-wound/1439756845001 |title=The Good Suns – 'Pop Wound' video |access-date=4 March 2012 |publisher=NME}}</ref>

In March 2012, Öpik began collaborating with rock band Adam and the Asbos on their action/adventure sci-fi film ''Adam and the Asbos: The Movie''.<ref name="london7580052">{{cite web |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/is-the-bbc-eyeing-up-the-ft-for-a-dg-7580052.html |title=Lembit Releases His Inner Space Cadet |date=21 March 2012 |publisher=Evening Standard}}</ref> In April and May 2012, he made appearances in a [[professional wrestling]] promotion, appearing from the audience to confront wrestler Kade Callous for cheating; Öpik was in turn challenged to appear in a later tag team match, which ended with Öpik "black and blue".<ref name="bbc18323962">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18323962 |title=Ex-MP Lembit Opik 'black and blue' after wrestling bout |work=BBC News |date=4 June 2012}}</ref>

In August 2016, Öpik performed in the comedy ''Rocking Your Vote'', in which he played himself. The play, performed for the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]], starred 2015 parliamentary candidate for [[West Bromwich (UK Parliament constituency)|West Bromwich]] Will Goodhand.<ref name="Opik_Rocking_Your_Vote">Amy Southall. [https://talkradio.co.uk/news/edinburgh-fringe-i-dont-hate-critics-i-pity-them-says-lembit-opik-his-new-comedy-1608233229 Edinburgh Fringe: 'I don't hate the critics, I pity them', says Lembit Opik on his new comedy]. — ''[[Talkradio]]'', 23 August 2016</ref>

Since 2021, Öpik has been a contributor to ''[[GB News]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Lembit Öpik: 'Scotland gets a heapful of money, much more than they pay into Westminster'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5ptmWGrKN4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/d5ptmWGrKN4| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=15 October 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Writings and journalism===
In 2009 Lembit Öpik published an article in ''[[The Guardian]]'' named "We need a cosmic plan" about risks of asteroid impact on Earth.<ref name="Opik_Asteroids">Lembit Öpik. [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/jul/21/jupiter-asteroid-lembit-opik We need a cosmic plan]. — ''[[The Guardian]]'', 21 July 2009</ref> Earlier, in 1999, he called on the government to invest between £500,000 and £1m annually in tracking asteroids to avert catastrophe.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/289733.stm|title=Invest to avert armageddon|date=3 March 1999|publisher=BBC News|access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref> He wrote a column in the (now defunct) ''[[Daily Sport]]'' newspaper earning him up to £5,000 a year.<ref name="wales23076688">{{cite web |first1=Matt |last1=Withers |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/03/06/tabloid-columnist-lembit-opik-rounds-on-the-red-tops-91466-23076688/ |title=Tabloid columnist Lembit Öpik rounds on the red tops |publisher=WalesOnline |date=6 March 2009}}</ref>

With Hilary Bird and Ulvi Mustmaa, he is the author of the ''Xenophobe's Guide to the Estonians'', published by Oval Books in June 2010.<ref name="xenophobes">{{cite book |title=Xenophobe's Guide to the Estonians|first1=Hilary |last1=Bird |first2=Lembit |last2=Opik |first3=Ulvi |last3=Mustmaa |year=2010 |isbn=978-1906042301 }}</ref> In March 2012, Öpik released his first collaborative work with Edward Joyce, ''The Alternative View'', a book discussing the future of the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] in the UK, including a call for the then party leader [[Nick Clegg]] to step down as Leader of The Liberal Democrats, but to remain deputy prime minister in the coalition government. The book's cover pays tribute to [[The Orange Book]], although Öpik has often been considered a member of the 'social liberal', left wing of the party. His book ''All at Sea'', a tale about a curious cruise, was published in 2015.

==Personal life and charity work==
[[File:Lembit opik.jpg|thumb|Öpik in 2006]]
Lembit Öpik is the son of atomic physicist [[Uuno Öpik]] and the grandson of astronomer [[Ernst Öpik]]. He speaks fluent English, [[Estonian language|Estonian]] and German.<ref name=Independent2007>{{cite news |title=Lembit Öpik: There's more to the cheeky boy than his love-life |date=17 March 2007 |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/lembit-oumlpik-theres-more-to-the-cheeky-boy-than-his-lovelife-440196.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122172640/http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/lembit-oumlpik-theres-more-to-the-cheeky-boy-than-his-lovelife-440196.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2010 |location=London}}</ref> Talking about the 2004 Parliamentary Language Challenge, he said that he could "get by" in French and Welsh and was intending to become fluent in the [[Welsh language]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/may/11/furthereducation.education|title=Talking shop in 22 languages|date=11 May 2004|author=Peter Kingston|website=The Guardian|access-date=14 March 2021}}</ref> In 2003 he was a "day president" at the [[National Eisteddfod of Wales]], held at [[Meifod]] within his constituency; this required him to make a speech in Welsh, for which he was coached by his then girlfriend, [[Siân Lloyd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/3117387.stm|title=MP tries out language skills|date=1 August 2003|website=BBC News Wales|access-date=14 March 2021}}</ref>

On 13 April 1998 Öpik came close to death in a [[paragliding]] accident. He fell {{convert|80|ft|m}} onto a Welsh mountain in his constituency and broke his back in 12 places, as well as his ribs, [[sternum]] and jaw.<ref name="ic15903539">{{cite news|first=D. |last=Higgit |title=The day my life changed |url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/features/tm_objectid=15903539&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=the-day-my-life-changed-----name_page.html |work=Western Standard |date=27 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118222256/http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/feature-news/tm_objectid%3D15903539%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50082%26headline%3Dthe-day-my-life-changed-----name_page.html |archive-date=18 January 2008 }}</ref><ref name="ld_opik">{{cite web|url=http://www.libdems.org.uk/people/lembit-opik |title=Liberal Democrats -Öpik |publisher=Libdems.org.uk |access-date=2 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416094802/http://www.libdems.org.uk/people/lembit-opik |archive-date=16 April 2009 }}</ref> This experience caused him to take a keen interest in the Spinal Injuries Association,<ref name="spinal">{{cite web |url=http://www.spinal.co.uk/ |title=Spinal Injuries Association webpage |publisher=Spinal.co.uk |access-date=7 May 2010}}</ref> of which he is a member. He later underwent a series of surgical procedures to correct the damage to the bones in his face.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/lembit-opik-gets-face-reconstructed-years-after-crash-31336296.html|title=Lembit Opik gets face reconstructed years after crash|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph|via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

Despite the accident, he continued with his interest in aviation. He talked about the accident to the July 2010 edition of [[Flaps Podcast]], where he recounted his accident and its aftermath. He has since become a glider pilot at the Midland Gliding Club in [[Shropshire]]. He holds a [[pilot's licence]] and spoke for British gliding in the House of Commons.

Öpik also rides motorcycles (he was the chair of the all-party parliamentary motorcycling group when he was an MP), and since November 2013, he has been employed as the campaigns and communications director for the Motorcycle Action Group. Öpik supports the English [[Association football|football]] club [[Leicester City]].<ref name="bbc2459285">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/the_mip_files/newsid_2459000/2459285.stm |work=CBBC Newsround |title=Your MP Identified |publisher=BBC News |date=13 November 2002}}</ref> His mother lives in the city of [[Leicester]].<ref>{{cite web |work=Hansard, House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030605/debtext/30605-13.htm |title=House of Commons Debates for 5 June 2003 (pt 13) |publisher=The Stationery Office |date=5 June 2003}}</ref>

He participated in a celebrity edition of ''[[The Apprentice (British TV series)|The Apprentice]]'' to raise money for charity.<ref name="cafe15209">{{cite web | url=http://www.cafonline.org/default.aspx?page=15209&WT.mc_id=400 |title=Lembit Öpik to appear in Sport Relief Does The Apprentice for charity |publisher=[[Charities Aid Foundation]] |date=28 February 2008}}</ref> ''[[Comic Relief Does The Apprentice|Sport Relief Does The Apprentice]]'' was part of [[Sport Relief]], the [[Comic Relief]]/[[BBC]] charity initiative that aired on 12 and 14 March 2008. In 2006 he became president of the [[Motor Neurone Disease Association]], following his father's death from the disease the previous year.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

He and [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] weather presenter [[Siân Lloyd]] appeared on ''Celebrity [[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (British game show)|Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?]]'' on 15 April 2006, winning £64,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and [[Action for Children]].<ref name="Opik_Shropshire_Star">[https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2008/03/17/opik-seeks-legal-advice-on-sian/ Opik seeks legal advice on Sian]. — ''[[Shropshire Star]]'', 17 March 2008</ref> The couple came close to marrying, but she ended the relationship in October 2006<ref name="auto"/> and made unflattering comments about Öpik in her autobiography, ''A Funny Kind of Love''. According to [[Lynn Barber]], the author's "main purpose seems to have been demolishing love-rat Lembit".<ref name="guardian_jun15">{{cite news | first=Lynn |last=Barber |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/jun/15/lembitopik |title=Interview: Lembit Opik | work=The Observer | date=15 June 2008 | location=London}}</ref>

Öpik later became involved with then-24-year-old [[Gabriela Irimia]] of pop music double-act [[The Cheeky Girls]]. They split up in July 2008 after a "difficult period" in the relationship.<ref name="Opik_NG"/><ref name="imdb_ni0260574">{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/news/ni0260574/ | title=Cheeky Girl dumps MP fiancé Lembit |publisher=[[IMDb]] | date=13 July 2008}}</ref>

At the age of 52 he had a daughter, born in June 2017, with his partner Sabina Vankova.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Robertson|first=Peter|date=26 April 2017|title=Lembit Opik to become a dad despite fears impaling accident left him sterile|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/lembit-opik-become-dad-52-10300510|access-date=7 August 2020|website=Daily Mirror}}</ref> Later that year his partner was reported to have left him<ref name=Metro08112017>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/08/lembit-opik-just-got-dumped-on-twitter-and-it-was-pretty-brutal-7064625|title=Lembit Öpik just got dumped on Twitter, and it was pretty brutal|date=8 November 2017|work=Metro}}</ref> but the couple had a second daughter in November 2020.<ref name="ShropStar05122020">{{cite news |last1=Austin |first1=Sue |title='This virus completely floored me': Former MP tells of his battle with Covid |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/mid-wales/2020/12/05/this-virus-completely-floored-me-former-mp-tells-of-his-battle-with-covid/ |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=[[Shropshire Star]] |date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109214817/https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/mid-wales/2020/12/05/this-virus-completely-floored-me-former-mp-tells-of-his-battle-with-covid/ |archive-date=9 January 2021 |location=Telford}}</ref>

==Electoral record==
{{Election box begin no change
 |title=2 September 2011 primary, for Liberal Democrat candidate for [[2012 London mayoral election]]: 1st round
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
 |party   = Liberal Democrats (UK)
 |candidate = [[Brian Paddick]]
 |votes   = 1,289
 |percentage = 41.7%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
 |party   = Liberal Democrats (UK)
 |candidate = [[Mike Tuffrey]]
 |votes   = 1,232
 |percentage = 39.9%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
 |party   = Liberal Democrats (UK)
 |candidate = Brian Haley
 |votes   = 316
 |percentage = 10.2%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
 |party   = Liberal Democrats (UK)
 |candidate = '''Lembit Öpik'''
 |votes   = 252
 |percentage = 8.2%
}}
{{Election box turnout no change
 |votes   = 3,089
 |percentage =
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title= [[2010 United Kingdom general election|General election 2010]]: Montgomeryshire<ref name=electoralcalculus2010>{{cite web|title=Election Data 2010|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt|publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726162034/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2010.txt|archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/w23.stm | work=BBC News | title=BBC NEWS – Election 2010 – Montgomeryshire}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Conservative Party (UK)
  |candidate  = [[Glyn Davies (British politician)|Glyn Davies]]
  |votes      = 13,976
  |percentage = 41.3
  |change     = +13.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |candidate  = '''Lembit Öpik'''
  |votes      = 12,792
  |percentage = 37.8
  |change     = −12.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Plaid Cymru
  |candidate  = [[Heledd Fychan]]
  |votes      = 2,802
  |percentage = 8.3
  |change     = +1.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Labour Party (UK)
  |candidate  = Nick Colbourne
  |votes      = 2,407
  |percentage = 7.1
  |change     = −5.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = UK Independence Party
  |candidate  = David W. L. Rowlands
  |votes      = 1,128
  |percentage = 3.3
  |change     = +0.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = National Front (UK)
  |candidate  = Milton Ellis
  |votes      = 384
  |percentage = 1.1
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Bruce Lawson
  |votes      = 324
  |percentage = 1.0
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box majority
  |votes      = 1,184
  |percentage = 3.5
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 33,813
  |percentage = 69.4
  |change     = +3.1
}}
{{Election box registered electors|
 |reg. electors = 48,730
}}
{{Election box gain with party link
  |winner     = Conservative Party (UK)
  |loser      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |swing      = +13.2
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title=[[2005 United Kingdom general election|General election 2005]]: Montgomeryshire<ref name=electoralcalculus2005>{{cite web|title=Election Data 2005|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2005ob.txt|publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054249/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2005ob.txt|archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
  |party      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |candidate  = Lembit Öpik
  |votes      = 15,419
  |percentage = 51.2
  |change     = +1.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Conservative Party (UK)
  |candidate  = [[Simon Baynes]]
  |votes      = 8,246
  |percentage = 27.4
  |change     = −0.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Labour Party (UK)
  |candidate  = David Tinline
  |votes      = 3,454
  |percentage = 11.5
  |change     = −0.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Plaid Cymru
  |candidate  = Ellen ap Gwynn
  |votes      = 2,078
  |percentage = 6.9
  |change     = +0.1
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = UK Independence Party
  |candidate  = Clive Easton
  |votes      = 900
  |percentage = 3.0
  |change     = +0.3
}}
{{Election box majority
  |votes      = 7,173
  |percentage = 23.8
  |change     = +2.3
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 30,097
  |percentage = 64.4
  |change     = −1.1
}}
{{Election box registered electors|
 |reg. electors = 46,766
}}
{{Election box hold with party link
  |winner     = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |swing      = +1.2
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title=[[2001 United Kingdom general election|General election 2001]]: Montgomeryshire<ref name=electoralcalculus2001>{{cite web|title=Election Data 2001|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2001ob.txt|publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054450/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2001ob.txt|archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
  |party      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |candidate  = Lembit Öpik
  |votes      = 14,319
  |percentage = 49.4
  |change     = +3.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Conservative Party (UK)
  |candidate  = David Jones
  |votes      = 8,085
  |percentage = 27.9
  |change     = +1.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Labour Party (UK)
  |candidate  = Paul Davies
  |votes      = 3,443
  |percentage = 11.9
  |change     = −7.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Plaid Cymru
  |candidate  = David Senior
  |votes      = 1,969
  |percentage = 6.8
  |change     = +1.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = UK Independence Party
  |candidate  = David Rowlands
  |votes      = 786
  |percentage = 2.7
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = ProLife Alliance
  |candidate  = Ruth Davies
  |votes      = 210
  |percentage = 0.7
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Independent (politician)
  |candidate  = Reginald Taylor
  |votes      = 171
  |percentage = 0.6
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box majority
  |votes      = 6,234
  |percentage = 21.5
  |change     = +1.7
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 28,983
  |percentage = 65.5
  |change     = −9.2
}}
{{Election box registered electors|
 |reg. electors = 62,200
}}
{{Election box hold with party link
  |winner     = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |swing      = +0.9
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title=[[1997 United Kingdom general election|General election 1997]]: Montgomeryshire<ref name=electoralcalculus1997>{{cite web|title=Election Data 1997|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt|publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054424/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1997.txt|archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
  |party      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |candidate  = Lembit Öpik
  |votes      = 14,647
  |percentage = 45.9
  |change     = −2.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Conservative Party (UK)
  |candidate  = [[Glyn Davies (British politician)|Glyn Davies]]
  |votes      = 8,344
  |percentage = 26.1
  |change     = −6.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Labour Party (UK)
  |candidate  = Angharad Davies
  |votes      = 6,109
  |percentage = 19.1
  |change     = +6.7
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Plaid Cymru
  |candidate  = [[Helen Mary Jones]]
  |votes      = 1,608
  |percentage = 5.0
  |change     = +0.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Referendum Party
  |candidate  = [[John Bufton]]
  |votes      = 879
  |percentage = 2.8
  |change     = ''N/A''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
  |party      = Green Party of England and Wales
  |candidate  = Susan Walker
  |votes      = 338
  |percentage = 1.1
  |change     = −0.4
}}
{{Election box majority
  |votes      = 6,303
  |percentage = 19.7
  |change     = +3.9
}}
{{Election box turnout
  |votes      = 31,925
  |percentage = 74.7
  |change     = −5.0
}}
{{Election box registered electors|
 |reg. electors = 60,873
}}
{{Election box hold with party link
  |winner     = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |swing      = +2.0
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title=[[1992 United Kingdom general election|General election 1992]]: Newcastle upon Tyne Central<ref name=electoralcalculus1992>{{cite web|title=Election Data 1992|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt|publisher=[[Electoral Calculus]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015054418/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_1992ob.txt|archive-date=15 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge92/ge92index.htm|title=Politics Resources|date=9 April 1992|work=Election 1992|publisher=Politics Resources|access-date=6 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724020412/http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ge92/ge92index.htm|archive-date=24 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>|
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Labour Party (UK)
  |candidate  = [[Jim Cousins]]
  |votes      = 21,123
  |percentage = 49.4
  |change     = +5.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Conservative Party (UK)
  |candidate  = Mike Summersby
  |votes      = 15,835
  |percentage = 37.0
  |change     = -1.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Liberal Democrats (UK)
  |candidate  = '''Lembit Öpik'''
  |votes      = 5,816
  |percentage = 13.6
  |change     = −2.2
}}
{{Election box majority|
  |votes      = 5,288
  |percentage = 12.4
  |change     = +7.0
}}
{{Election box turnout|
  |votes      = 42,774
  |percentage = 71.3
  |change     = −4.2
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
  |winner     = Labour Party (UK)
  |swing      = +3.5
}}
{{Election box end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lembit Öpik}}
* {{Hansard-contribs|mr-lembit-opik|Lembit Öpik}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120925012114/http://www.libdems.org.uk/people_detail.aspx?name=Lembit_Opik&pPK=8b724028-0311-421d-99a7-796b0ce4ff55 Lembit Opik MP] profile at the site of Liberal Democrats
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090208155935/http://welshlibdems.org.uk/e-whoweare_detail.php?memberNo=176 Lembit Öpik MP] profile at the site of Welsh Liberal Democrats
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080724001130/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/student/news/article1524881.ece Times Online Student Section: Lembit Opik] Interview with Lembit Öpik
* [https://archive.today/20130420053018/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/0,9290,-5739,00.html Guardian Unlimited Politics&nbsp;– Ask Aristotle: Lembit Opik MP]
* [https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/lembit_opik/montgomeryshire TheyWorkForYou.com&nbsp;– Lembit Öpik MP]
* [http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?firstname=Lembit&lastname=%26Ouml%3Bpik&constituency=Montgomeryshire The Public Whip&nbsp;– Lembit Öpik] voting record
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/mpdb/html/410.stm BBC News&nbsp;– Politics: Lembit Opik] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202104724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/mpdb/html/410.stm |date=2 December 2008 }} profile 10 February 2005
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090206151712/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23392706-details/Lembit%20and%20his%20very%20cheeky%20family/article.do Evening Standard (London); "Lembit and his Very Cheeky Family"]
* [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/apr/27/lembit-opik-nick-clegg Guardian article] on election 27 April 2010
* [http://www.politics.co.uk/news/general-election-2010/lembit-backs-tactical-voting-against-lib-dems-$1373632.htm www.politics.co.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426154159/http://www.politics.co.uk/news/general-election-2010/lembit-backs-tactical-voting-against-lib-dems-$1373632.htm |date=26 April 2010 }}: Opik urges tactical voting against Liberal Dems

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{{s-par|uk}}
{{succession box
 | title = Member of Parliament for [[Montgomeryshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Montgomeryshire]]
 | years = [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997]]–[[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010]]
 | before = [[Alex Carlile]]
 | after = [[Glyn Davies (Welsh politician)|Glyn Davies]]
}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{succession box | title = Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats | years = 2001–2007 | before = [[Richard Livsey]] | after = [[Mike German]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Opik, Lembit}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol]]
[[Category:Welsh libertarians]]
[[Category:Councillors in Newcastle upon Tyne]]
[[Category:People from Northern Ireland of Estonian descent]]
[[Category:British male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Liberal Democrats (UK) MPs for Welsh constituencies]]
[[Category:People educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution]]
[[Category:People from Bangor, County Down]]
[[Category:Press TV people]]
[[Category:Politicians from Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:UK MPs 1997–2001]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2001–2005]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2005–2010]]
[[Category:Welsh-speaking politicians]]
[[Category:Liberal Democrats (UK) councillors]]
[[Category:Welsh people of Estonian descent]]
[[Category:Stand-up comedians from Northern Ireland]]