Liberal Democrat MP Lewes

Date of birth

26 July 1957

Political profile

On the left of the Liberal Democrats, Norman Baker was elected in 1997 as the first non-Conservative MP for Lewes since 1874.

He retained his seat in 2001 with a hugely increased majority.

In between, he acquired one of the highest profiles of any backbencher with his assiduous campaigning and his frequent asking of parliamentary questions.

His two main targets have now receded from public view - he was an energetic critic of both the Millennium Dome and Peter Mandelson.

Indeed, he claims credit for triggering Mr Mandelson's second resignation with questions about the Hinduja brothers.

Passions which remain active are animal welfare and environmental issues - the latter interest was given full rein when he was appointed Lib Dem environment spokesman in October 2002.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 5138
Constituency office: 01273 480281
Email: normanbaker@cix.co.uk