Long serving Conservative MP, Sir Edward Leigh is renowned for cutting Government waste, being a champion of freedom as well as a committed social conservative.
Elected in 1983, Leigh is a man of principle who has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes during his 32 year stretch in Parliament.
Whether it was opposing the Maastricht Treaty (which resulted in his sacking as Trade Minister under Major), or defending the controversial Section 28 legislation, Leigh was fearless.
During the debate on same sex marriage, Leigh said:
“We should be in the business of protecting cherished institutions and our cultural heritage otherwise what, I ask, is a Conservative Party for?”
Indeed.
Leigh has been touted as a future Speaker of the House but The Conservative Woman believes that Sir Edward will be needed on the backbenches, continuing to hold the Conservative Party leadership and the Government (whoever it may be) to account.