Graham Stuart

Born and bred in Carlisle, Cumbria, Graham Stuart now sits on the opposite side of the country. Although he failed to complete his degree in philosophy and law, Stuart’s time at the University of Cambridge had benefits for his political career: he was appointed chairman of the university’s Conservative Association. After a stint in local government on Cambridge City Council, Stuart was elected to the Commons in 2005 with a humble majority of 2,580 votes. He has since increased his majority manifestly, now sitting on a margin of 20,448. Upon his entry to parliament, Stuart joined the Environmental Audit Select Committee and the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee. For five years (between 2010 and 2015), Stuart was chairman of the Education select committee. Although he campaigned for Remain at the 2016 referendum, Stuart has since been in full support of the UK’s exit from the EU and voted for Theresa May’s Brexit deal on three occasions. He also voted to support the UK leaving the EU without an agreement in place. In 2018, he was appointed as parliamentary under-secretary of state for exports at the DfIT, a post he still holds.