Conor Burns

Conor Burns has been the Conservative MP for Bournemouth West since 2010. At the University of Southampton he chaired the University’s Conservative Association and led the Wessex Area Conservatives. Before entering parliament, Burns was director of the Policy Research Centre for Business Ltd and manager of Zurich Advice Network. In parliament, Burns has held a number of positions. Most notably, he was parliamentary private secretary to then-foreign secretary, Boris Johnson. Upon Johnson’s ascension to the prime ministership, Burns was appointed a minister of state at the Department for International Trade, holding the post until May 2020. Burns has a particular passion in supporting the Union and, in his words, “making sure the UK seizes all the opportunities Brexit will create.” He was inspired to enter politics by the Major government’s Care in the Community policy, which Burns calls an “unmitigated disaster”. Burns has said his most disappointing moment in politics was “almost any in the run-up to the 2019 general election.”

Hot Seat

Any advice for fellow politicians?

In politics, never give up. But also always remember why you are here. As Reagan said, “Always remember to dance with the one what brung you.”

Which historical figures, political or otherwise, do you take inspiration from?

Without question Margaret Thatcher, who I had the privilege of getting to know very well in her later years.

If writing a local guidebook, which walks, museums, or other local attractions would you recommend?

I live less than a 5 min walk to Bournemouth beach. Walking along the water’s edge in any weather is unbeatable.