Julian Sturdy

The son of former Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy and a Yorkshire native, Julian Sturdy obtained qualifications in agriculture after attending Harper Adams Agricultural College. He subsequently became a farmer, a profession he still maintains alongside his parliamentary commitments. Prior to becoming an MP, Sturdy served as a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council from 2002 to 2007. He ran to become an MP for Scunthorpe in the 2005 general election, but was defeated by Labour MP Elliot Morley. Sturdy was later elected to represent York Outer in 2010, becoming a member of the Transport Select Committee until 2012. Sturdy successfully introduced the Control of Horses Bill that aimed to introduce new procedures for handling horses that have been left to graze on other people’s land, a bill welcomed by the British Horse Society. Sturdy currently serves on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, a fitting role for someone with his interest, experience and expertise in agriculture. Sturdy has also served on select committees for transport; energy and climate change; as well as joint committees responsible for consolidation bills on two occasions.