Patrick Mercer

Conservative MP Newark

Date of birth

26 June 1956

Political profile

Patrick Mercer was hailed by the New Statesman, of all publications, as representing a return to traditional styles of Tory politician.

He spent 25 years as an army officer with the Sherwood Foresters, in which time he served in Bosnia and was twice decorated for gallantry.

After a stint as the regiment's commanding officer he stood down to pursue his political career, biding his time as a journalist, mainly writing on military history and travel for the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph.

He has also written books with titles such as 'Give them a volley and charge!' (a study of the battle of Inkerman).

Politically, however, he represents a more modern strain of conservatism, as a Thatcherite libertarian and is no great fan of the pro-European liberalism espoused by Michael Heseltine and Ken Clarke.

In June 2003, he took on the new role of shadow homeland security minister, and has remained in that position under Michael Howard.

Contact

Commons office: 0207 219 8477
Constituency office: 01636 703269