Robert Walter

Conservative MP North Dorset

Date of birth

30 May 1948

Political profile

Robert Walter was first elected to the Commons in 1997, after a career which combined two of the Conservative Party's strongest professional interests, working as a farmer and international banker.

He has a strong interest in agricultural affairs and the defence of the rural way of life, and an opposition to the over-regulation of the business world.

He also poured scorn on Labour's constitutional reforms, using his position as Welsh spokesman from 1999 to 2001 to make clear his disdain for devolution.

However, he is also pro-European, and a qualified supporter of potential British entry into the single currency, though he opposes federalism.

He is also a crusading opponent of sex discrimination; he resigned from the Carlton Club over their failure to admit women as full members, and attempted through private members' legislation to bring private clubs under the aegis of the Sex Discrimination Act.

He supported Ken Clarke's campaign for the Tory leadership.

Contact

Constituency office: 01258 452420

[e-mail]