Eric Pickles
Eric Pickles has been the UK Conservative Party MP for Brentwood and Ongar since 1992.[1] In 2015, Pickles was re-elected with a majority of 21,810. [2]
He was secretary of state for communities and local government from 2010[3] until 2015.
Following the resignation of Baroness Sayeeda Warsi in August 2014, he had acquired additional responsibility becoming the faith minister too.[4] The minister 'works with religious and community leaders to promote faith, religious tolerance and stronger communities within the UK'. [5] This appointment was surrounded by controversy however, as Pickles was seen to be a fierce defender of religious privilege. [6]
According to the Jewish News Online, Pickles is now set to become the new parliamentary chair of Conservative Friends of Israel after he left cabinet in May 2015. [7]
Career
Pickles was Leader of Bradford City Council from 1988 to 1990. He held a number of positions while in opposition, including Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government from 2007 to 2009 and Chairman of the Conservative Party from 2009 to 2010. [1] Previous roles also include shadow minister for transport form 2001 to 2002 and shadow spokesperson for work and pensions from 1998 to 2001. [8]
Honours
In May 2015 it was announced Pickles would receive a knighthood 'in recognition of his service as an MP and, before that, in local government'.[9]
Education
Pickles was educated at Greenhead Grammar School and Leeds Polytechnic. [1]
Special advisers
- Sheridan Westlake - May 2010
- Zoe Thorogood - January 2013
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP GOV.UK, accessed 1 October 2014
- ↑ Election 2015: Eric Pickles elected as MP for Brentwood & Ongar Brentwood Gazette, 7 May 2015, accessed 13 May 2015
- ↑ Her Majesty’s Government, Number10.gov.uk, accessed 12 May 2010.
- ↑ Ministerial appointments: August 2014, Prime Minister's Office, 6 August 2014.
- ↑ Minister for Faith GOV.UK, accessed 13 May 2015
- ↑ Eric Pickles's appointment as Faith Minister is bad news for secularists NewStatesman, 6 August 2015, accessed 13 May 2015
- ↑ Eric Pickles to become Conservative Friends of Israel chair Jewish News Online, 12 May 2015, accessed 13 May 2015
- ↑ Eric Pickles www.parliament.uk, accessed 28 October 2014
- ↑ BBC News Knighthood for ex-minister Eric Pickles, 22 May 2015, accessed 22 May 2015.
