Ian Taylor

Conservative MP Esher and Walton

Date of birth

18 April 1945

Education

Political profile

As a former minister, Ian Taylor could reasonably expect to be sitting on the front bench.

However, his frontbench career in opposition ended after a few months when he resigned over William Hague's policy on the European Single Currency.

Mr Taylor is one of the most committed pro-Europeans in the Commons, let alone the Conservative party.

He retains concerns about EU bureaucracy but is a supporter of British entry in to the single currency.

He twice supported Ken Clarke's bids for the Tory leadership, and remains on the back benches.

He served in John Major's government as science minister and has recently concentrated on praising the opportunities presented by new technology.

He successfully saw off an attempt by some of his own activists to deselect him over his European views before the 2001 election.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 4490

[e-mail]