Member for Bridgwater since 2001. Committees: Member, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee since 2004; Member, Scottish Select Committee since 2003; Member, Public Administration Select Committee since 2002; Secretary, West of England Conservative Group. Political career: Parliamentary Candidate for Torridge and West Devon 1997; Candidate for Tyne and Wear Euroseat 1994; Councillor, Tynedale District Council 1985-89. Special political interests: Agriculture, rural affairs, trade and industry, tourism, defence, energy issues. Profession/Trade: Managing director of a construction company; worked on family farm in Berwickshire; previously Major in TA. Education: Millfield School, Somerset; South of Scotland Agricultural College, National Certificate in Agriculture. Hobbies: Walking, cinema, skiing, gardening, tennis.
b. 23 February 1959. Married with three children.

2005				2001
CON HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Conservative	21,240	44.2	3.7	19,354	40.4
Labour	12,771	26.6	-0.2	12,803	26.8
Lib Dem	10,940	22.7	-7.3	14,367	30
UKIP	1,767	3.7	0.9	1,323	2.8
Green	1,391	2.9	2.9	-	-
Majority	8,469	17.6	-	4,987	10.4
Turnout	48,109	63.5	-1.1	47,847	64.6