Richard Ottaway

Conservative MP Croydon South

Date of birth

24 May 1945

Political profile

Richard Ottaway was first elected in the unlikely seat of Nottingham North, which he won in 1983 on the biggest swing in the country, helped by the UDM's disdain for the miners' strike.

He quickly established Thatcherite credentials with calls for widespread denationalisation and the restoration of capital punishment.

However, he lost his seat at the next election, and after he returned in 1992 representing Croydon South, he was more moderate on these issues and repudiated his support for the death penalty.

He formed a close political alliance with Michael Heseltine, whom he served as parliamentary private secretary for three years before becoming a Whip in the final years of the Major government.

Although not exactly pro-European, he is less inclined to attack all proposals from Europe on principle than many of his colleagues, and has an informed interest in international commercial and maritime law.

He served on the frontbench throughout the 1997 Parliament in various roles, ending as shadow Paymester General.

He returned to the backbenches following the 2001 Conservative leadership election in which he supported first Portillo and then Clarke.

In March 2004, he was appointed shadow environment secretary.

Contact

Constituency office 020 8660 0491

[e-mail]