Gary Streeter

Conservative MP South West Devon

Date of birth

2 October 1955

Political profile

Gary Streeter has had a successful career in the Commons since his election as a Conservative MP in 1992.

He served in the Major government as a Whip, and as a junior minister in the Lord Chancellor's Department, making use of his experience as a solicitor specialising in trade union law.

He served in William Hague's shadow cabinet, covering the International Development portfolio and, in Iain Duncan Smith's first appointments, became a vice-chair of the party.

His rapid rise has not been hampered by the fact that he is a relatively late convert to the Conservative cause; his career as a Plymouth councillor was spent representing the SDP.

Much of his political conviction comes from his evangelical Christian views; he is a vociferous supporter of 'traditional' morality and support for the family.

As a vice-chairman responsible for increasing faith community and ethnic minority participation in the Conservative party, he has been responsible for attempts to soften the party's image, including asserting that Thatcherism is part of the Conservative's past.

Contact

Constituency office: 01752 335666

[e-mail]