Member for Maldon and Chelmsford East since 1997. Committees: Member, Health Select Committee 1994-97. Political career: Shadow Secretary of State, DCMS since 2002; Shadow Secretary of State, DTI 2001-02; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Leader of the Opposition 1999-2001; Frontbench Spokesperson on the Treasury 1998-99; Opposition Whip 1997-98; PPS to the Minister of State for Education 1994-96; Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister, 1990-92; Political Secretary to the Prime Minister 1988-90; Special Adviser to Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 1984-87; Head of Political Section, Conservative Research Department 1982-84. Special political interests: Media and broadcasting. Title/Honours/Decorations: OBE 1990. Education: Winchester College; University College of London, BSc Economics. Author of: New Policies for the Media (1995). Hobbies: Cinema, music.
b. 16 October 1959, Sherborne. Married with two children.

2005				2001
CON HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Conservative	23,732	51.5	2.2	21,719	49.2
Labour	11,159	24.2	-5.9	13,257	30.1
Lib Dem	9,270	20.1	4.2	7,002	15.9
UKIP	1,930	4.2	1.6	1,135	2.6
Green	-	-	-	987	2.2
Majority	12,573	27.3	-	8,462	19.2
Turnout	46,091	66.3	2.6	44,100	63.7