Christopher James Skidmore

Old Blog: http://chrisskidmoremp.wordpress.com/

http://www.conservatives.com/OurTeam/Members_of_Parliament/Skidmore_Chris.aspx

CHRIS SKIDMORE
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KINGSWOOD

Chris was elected in May 2010. A local man, he was born in St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, and grew up in the constituency, first in Longwell Green before moving to Bitton, where he now lives. Both sides of Chris' family have lived in Kingswood for generations. Chris went to school locally, being educated at St Anne's Primary School, Oldland Common, Colston's School, and Bristol Grammar School.

Chris studied History at Oxford, where he continued with postgraduate research. Before being elected, Chris wrote several history books including Edward VI: The Lost King of England and Death and the Virgin: Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and the Mysterious Fate of Amy Robsart. Recently, Chris published Bosworth: The Birth of the Tudors. Chris taught history part-time at Bristol University and is an honorary research fellow at the university. Chris is also a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Chris has been a member of the Conservative party since 1996. He became the Conservative candidate for Kingswood in January 2008, having been one of the first MPs to have been chosen by a primary, where members of the public were able to attend the selection meeting. Chris was elected with one of the largest swings in the South West, overturning a 7,800 Labour majority with a swing of 9.4%.

Since becoming Kingswood's MP, Chris has campaigned hard to protect the local Greenbelt, and has called debates in Parliament, standing up for Cossham Hospital and Frenchay Hospital, and has called for a Link road from the ring road to the M4. Details of Chris' local campaigning can be found at www.chrisskidmore.com

Chris has sat on the Health Select Committee (2010-2013) and the Education Select Committee (2012-2014). In 2013, he was appointed to the No 10 Policy Board. He is also Chairman of the All Party Group on the Greenbelt, Vice Chairman of the All Party Group on History and Archives, and Secretary of the All Party Group on Disability.