WHITTINGDALE, John OBE

Member for Maldon (revised boundary) since 6 May 2010, for Maldon and East Chelmsford 1997-2010. Committees: Vice-Chairman, Conservative 1922 Committee since 2006; Chairman, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee since 2005; Member Executive of Conservative 1922 Committee since 2005; Parliamentary Member, Board of the Conservative Party 2006-10; Member, Health Select Committee 1994-97. Political career: Shadow Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport 2004-05; Shadow Secretary of State, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 2003-04; Shadow Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport 2002-03; Shadow Secretary of State, DTI 2001-02; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Leader of the Opposition 1999-2001; Frontbench Spokesperson on the Treasury 1998-99; Opposition Whip 1997-98; Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Education 1994-96; Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister, 1990-92; Political Secretary to the Prime Minister 1988-90; Special Adviser to Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 1984-87; Head of Political Section, Conservative Research Department 1982-84. Special political interests: Media and broadcasting. Title/Honours/Decorations: OBE 1990. Education: University College of London, BSc Economics; Winchester College. Author of: New Policies for the Media (1995). Hobbies: Cinema, music. b. 16 October 1959, Sherborne. Divorced with two children.