In this section
- Section Home
- Association Officers
- Members of the European Parliament
- Councillors

RSS Feeds

- News RSS
- Blog RSS
- Gallery RSS

Member of Parliament - Richard Benyon MP

Opposition Whip

Richard's Experience

Richard was Leader of the Conservatives on Newbury District Council in the 1990s. He was the candidate for Newbury in the 1997 and 2001 General Elections, at each election reducing the Liberal Democrat majority. He won the seat in 2005, having moved the seat from a 22,000 Liberal Democrat majority to a 3,400 Conservative majority. He campaigned across West Berkshire in support of communities large and small, and on schools and policing issues.

Richard has great experience in rural matters, but also has had a long interest in African affairs and has been active in highlighting issues such as Zimbabwe. He is a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee and is Parliamentary Private Secretary to Lord Strathclyde, the Opposition Leader in the House of Lords.

In July 2007, Richard was appointed as an Opposition Whip.

About Richard

Following a career in the Army, which included active service, Richard Qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. Before entering Parliament, he was a 'hands-on' farmer and ran a business which included farming, forestry and the management of rural and urban housing. After a few years in a rural practice, he took over the management of the family farm. Richard has five sons who share his enjoyment of the countryside and sport. Richard now runs a business which includes farming, forestry and the management of rural and urban housing.

He is active in the voluntary sector in West Berkshire including work for the Citizen's Advice Bureau, The Mary Hare School for the Deaf and a local rural education charity. He was the President of the Royal County of Berkshire Show (formally Newbury Show) for 2002.

He was elected as Member of Parliament in May 2005.

Contact Details

Email: mp@richardbenyon.com
Website: http://www.richardbenyon.com
Telephone: 01635 551070
Fax: 01635 569690