Conservative MP Rochford and Southend East

Date of birth

18 April 1937

Political profile

One of the Commons' most colourful backbench characters, Sir Teddy Taylor's career was almost of high ministerial office, but was thwarted by his own principles and the vagaries of the electorate.

He was first elected in 1964 representing Glasgow Cathcart and became a Scottish Office minister in Edward Heath's government.

He resigned from his post in protest at British entry into the EEC.

He was more in sympathy with Mrs Thatcher and became Shadow Scottish Secretary.

His entry into office in 1979 was scuppered, however, when he lost his seat.

He returned in a 1980 by-election, but did not come back to the frontbench.

He has instead established himself as one of the most steadfast opponents of the European Union and all its works.

He includes a reference to the shortcomings of the EU in almost all of his frequent speeches and was one of the most persistent rebels against the Major government over Europe, eventually losing the Conservative whip.

He is also an advocate of the return of capital and corporal punishment and an opponent of fox hunting.

Contact

Constituency office 01702 600460