Members of Parliament for Knutsford - Knutsford Guardian

Member of Parliament for Tatton

Party

Committees

Building Societies And Financial Mutuals Group, Sustainable Aviation Group, Yemen Group

Biography

MP Since - 2001 Majority - 11,731 Born - 23/05/1971, Married, 1 son & 1 daughter.

Education - St. Paul's School. Magdalen College, Oxford. Davidsons College, USA.

Previous Occupation - Freelance journalist, Sunday & Daily Telegraph (1993); Head of the Political Section in the Conservative Research Department (1994-95). Special Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (1995-97); Political Office, 10 Downing Street (1997); Secretary, Shadow Cabinet (1997-2001); Political Secretary to William Hague as Leader of the Opposition (1997-2001).

Personal Overview - Recaptured this traditionally safe Conservative seat on the vacation of Martin Bell (who moved on to unsuccessfully contest Brentwood & Ongar). An experienced Conservative party insider who worked under the Major administration as well as more recently being political secretary and a speech writer for William Hague. Has campaigned on local issues including a by-pass (for Alderley Edge) and a new local household waste site, while opposing a proposed gas storage plant at Byley. Gained a large promotion in September 2004 to the post of Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, a career opportunity which he took to establish himself in the senior ranks of the Conservative Opposition, being made Shadow Chancellor in 2005. Was also made the party's General Election Coordinator. Was credited with his part of the Autumn 2007 Conservative revival that effectively saw off the prospect of an early General Election with policy announcements to reduce the number of people paying inheritance tax. The summer of 2008 saw him involved in some controversy after visiting the yacht of a wealthy Russian businessman. His initial response to the 2008 banking crisis was somewhat muted, his performances improved as the 2009 recession deepened. Was also named as one of the MPs mentioned in alleged 'smear' emails sent by former special advisor Damian McBride, an episode for which Gordon Brown later issued an apology.

Political History - MP Tatton (2001-). Member of the Public Accounts Select Committee (2001-04), Transport Select Committee (2002-03), Opposition Whip (2003), Shadow Minister for Economic Affairs (2003-04), Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury (2004-05). Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (2005-). General Election Campaign Coodinator (2007-).

Characteristics - Along with David Cameron, has been dubbed the 'Blair and Brown' of the Conservative Party. He and David Cameron are Godfathers to each other's children. He is also the heir to the Osborne and Little wallpaper fortune.

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