I was born in Taunton, Somerset. My parents were both teachers and I have one brother, who is a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. I was educated at Taunton School, Trinity School in New York City, Exeter University, and the Inns of Court School of Law. I was called to the Bar in 1996 and specialised in criminal law, both prosecution and defence, in the West Midlands area.

I am married to Yvonne and have one daughter, Stephanie. My interests include travel, especially to the United States, music, and golf.

My Experience

I was first elected to Parliament in 2005 to represent the former Rugby and Kenilworth constituency. That was abolished in 2010, when I was elected MP for the new Kenilworth and Southam constituency.

I have served as a member of the Justice Committee and became an Opposition whip in 2007. With the formation of the new Government in 2010, I became a Government whip.

I founded the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia in 2007 and served as its chair for three years.