My Biography

Family, Work & Hobbies

I was born in September 1972 and grew up in Hamilton in central Scotland.  My parents are now both retired – my dad was a computer systems analyst and my mum worked for Marks & Spencer. I went to Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow.

I first moved to Milton Keynes in 1993 for my first job after graduating from Exeter University with an honours degree in politics. I was a trainee accountant with Coopers & Lybrand in Central Milton Keynes and lived in Walnut Tree, which forms part of the new Milton Keynes South constituency.

I now live in Tattenhoe and commute daily by train from Bletchley to my job in central London. I work in the Board Practice of the Executive Search firm, Odgers, Ray & Berndtson.

A regular, if sometimes reluctant (!), runner, I enjoy competing in marathons and other long distance runs both to keep fit and raise money for good causes. I have run the London Marathon and the MK half-marathon, supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief, MK SNAP and Sportsaid.

In the little spare time I have left after my political duties and earning a living, I enjoy going to the gym, watching films and plays, and generally just chilling out with friends. I am also teaching myself (with a little help from Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver) to be a better cook. I don’t think I’ve made any of my friends or family ill yet….!

Political Experience

I don’t come from a particularly political family (although my uncle is involved in the Henley Labour Party!). I got interested in current affairs when a student and realised that politics was central to most of the key issues in life.

After studying the subject, I formed my own views on the key issues of the day and decided that I wanted to stand up and argue for them, rather than shouting from the sidelines.

In addition, I want to be an MP so I can give something back to the community. I’ve been lucky in life. I come from a strong and loving family, and been given a good education. I’m fit and healthy, and able to make the most of life’s opportunities. Not everyone is as fortunate and I want to be able to do something to assist those who need a helping hand. I think I can most usefully do this by being an MP.

That’s one of the reasons why I am a member of my local parish council – Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe, representing the Emerson Valley ward. I enjoy working with my fellow councillors to improve the quality of life for local residents. I am particularly supportive of the Council's objective to improve the range of sporting opportunities and other amenities for local kids. For more information on the work of the parish council, please look at its website http://www.shenleybrookend-pc.gov.uk

I cut my campaigning teeth by standing in the Glasgow Rutherglen constituency in the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999. I knew I didn’t have much chance of winning (Glasgow not being the most fertile territory for Conservatives!) but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and, in the end, 2,315 people voted for me.

Since standing for the first time in Milton Keynes, I have reduced the Labour Party’s majority from over 10,000 to 4,000, and I was quickly selected by local Conservatives after the last election to contest the new seat of Milton Keynes South at the next general election.

I am a seasoned political campaigner and have built up an excellent knowledge of the issues that affect the lives of local people. I used to run a research unit in Westminster which provides a detailed analysis of Government legislation for its clients, which includes members of the Shadow Cabinet. I have also written a number of articles and books on political issues.

Photos

Iain running the 2003 London Marathon ........

        

............ with more photos to be added later.