Methodist local preacher and Liberal Democrat politician, born 4 May 1947 in North East Surrey, the son of a chef. After living in Wandsworth, he moved to Torquay where he went to Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. In 1964 he began working for the Midland Bank and on being appointed branch manager at Plymouth became their youngest branch manager.

In 1982 he was elected both to Caradon District Council and Saltash Town Council, and was twice mayor of Saltash. He was elected Liberal Democrat MP for Cornwall South East in 1997 and spent much of his time in the Commons as a front bench spokesman. He retired from Parliament in 2010.

In 1968 he married Janet Courtio; he died on 10 May 2024.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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