Damian Green

Conservative MP Ashford

Date of birth

17 January 1956

Political profile

Damian Green entered Parliament in 1997. He was a close ally of John Major, having served in the former Prime Minister's policy unit from 1992 to 1994.

He has a pro-European outlook and backed Ken Clarke's bid for the leadership.

On the basis of his strong performances in the Commons, he soon joined the front bench and remained on it throughout the 1997 Parliament, most notably as a pro-Kyoto environment spokesman.

In Iain Duncan Smith's first appointments, Green joined the shadow cabinet as shadow education secretary. In this role, he announced the Conservative intention to scrap tuition fees.

When Michael Howard was appointed leader, Green moved to the transport portfolio, a position outside the shadow cabinet.

But in September 2004 he left the front bench completely after reportedly refusing an alternative job.

He is a leading member of both the Tory Reform Group and Conservative Mainstream.

A former journalist and broadcaster, he is a critic of the possible degradation of public broadcasting standards in a digital age.

He co-authored a pamphlet long before the 2001 election, calling for the Tories to focus on public services.

Contact

[e-mail]

Constituency office 01233 820454