He's probably best known as the former Lewes MP who was a minister working for the then Home Secretary Theresa May.

But four years on, and no longer involved in politics, Norman Baker, now 60, is about to release a new solo pop album.

It’s called Staying Blue and the front cover of the CD has Brighton’s West Pier as a backdrop.

Norman said: “Music has always been in my life, before and after politics.

“Before I was elected on to Lewes District Council back in 1987, I used to run record shops in London.

“I was actually part of The Reform Club when we formed back in 1994 but eventually politics took over.

“I gave up the live stuff. People thought I was doing it to

chase the younger vote, which was nothing further from the truth.

“I did music because I loved it, and I still do.”

The Reform Club has released two albums but now Norman has taken the step of releasing a

solo album.

He said: “Music feeds my soul and some of my music is based on experience. You can’t detach writing from what you know.

“At the moment it’s my main focus along with writing books and a few transport columns I write nationally.”

Norman is still living in Lewes but whereas he was working at least 80 hours each week, he is looking for a new challenge that would take up around 25 hours weekly.

“I miss the fact that every day was so different when I was the LibDem MP for Lewes.

“I then joined The Big Lemon bus company as MD but I have left that.”

The front cover of the West Pier is symbolic to Norman.

He said: “The image is a bit downbeat.

“The West Pier is still there but not in quite the condition it was, a bit like how I feel at times now.

“Much of the recording of the songs was done across Brighton.”

The launch gig is taking place at the Bus Club Pizza in Lewes on Friday, April 6, from 8.30pm. Entry is free.

The new CD costs £10 and £2 of every sale goes direct to help homeless people in Lewes, in an arrangement with Trinity Church.