Richard Ashworth

Biography

Richard was born in 1947 in Folkestone, Kent where he lives now with his wife Sally. They have three daughters.

Before being elected to the European Parliament in June 2004 to represent the South East of England (he was also a candidate in 1999) Richard stood as the Conservative candidate for North Devon Westminster constituency in the 1997 General Election.

As well as having a long-term interest in politics Richard's life has heavily revolved around cows. He was a dairy farmer in East Sussex for over thirty years and during this time operated his own dairy business. Carrying on this theme Richard has served as Chairman of United Milk Plc.

A particular interest of Richard's is education and he was chairman of Plumton College in East Sussex for 15 years. His commitment to bettering Education and in particular vocational learning plays an important role in Richard's parliamentary work.

Richard is currently a member of the European Parliament's committee on budgets and is Conservative Spokesman in this area, his secondary committee is employment. Richard is also a junior Whip and member of the Bureau for the 28 strong Conservative delegation in Brussels.

1947 Born Folkestone, Kent

1960- 1965 The Kings School, Canterbury, Kent. (School House)

1965- 1968 Seale- Hayne college, Devon. (President, Student’s Union)

1968-1970 New Zealand.

1970- 2001 Farmer in East Sussex.

1980- 2000 Operated own dairy business.

1985- 2000 Chairman, Plumpton College

1996- 2002 Chairman, United Milk Plc.

2001- 2003 Chairman, NFU Corporate.

1997 Westminster Parliamentary candidate. North Devon constituency

1999 European Parliamentary candidate. South Eastern region.

2004 Elected, Member of the European Parliament. South East region.