Richard Benyon

Richard Benyon was elected as the Conservative MP for Newbury in 2005 and re-elected in 2010 with a majority of 12,248.

He was born and brought up in West Berkshire. As well as being a local farmer and businessman, Richard has been involved in a number of local organisations. These include the Citizens Advice Bureau, Mary Hare School and the Kennet and Pang Valley Countryside Project. He was a local Councillor in the 1990’s.

In May 2010 Richard was appointed Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries as part of the Conservative-Liberal Coalition Government.   Prior to this appointment he was the Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife.   He has also served as a Party Whip and on the Home Affairs Select Committee.

As a former soldier and a founder Trustee of the charity Help for Heroes, Richard takes a great interest in defence issues and the welfare of servicemen and their families. Other special interests include, Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland and of course, rural affairs.

He has campaigned on a number of health issues including care for those with learning difficulties in the NHS and was a member of the All Party Kidney Group and the All Party Group for Specialist Orthopaedic Services and Hospitals before becoming a Minister.