Born in Doncaster in 1972, I graduated from the University of Huddersfield with an Upper Second honours degree in Historical and Political Studies. Before being elected to parliament, I had a career as a Senior Marketing Manager for ASDA in Leeds. I also served as both a parish councillor and a school governor because I have always believed in the importance of community involvement.
I have always been involved in politics, joining the Conservative Party in 1988, and in 1997, making a speech on foreign affairs at the Conservative Party Conference. However, I increasingly found that politicians were not making the arguments I wanted to hear. Since it is my firm belief that change requires action, I decided to run for parliament and was first elected in 2005. After being first elected, it has been an honour to be re-elected in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
In my spare time, I enjoy horseracing and full English breakfasts.