Tel: 01603 865763 / The Old Smithy Church Farm Attlebridge Norfolk, NR9 5ST
Email: keithsimpson@broadlandconservatives.com / Web: www.keithsimpson.com

Keith was born in 1949. He was educated at Thorpe Grammar School, Norfolk, the University of Hull, and undertook post-graduate research in War Studies at King’s College, London.

He is married to Pepita, daughter of Norman Hollingsworth. They have one son.

As a military historian, Keith has been Director of Cranfield Security Studies Institute, Cranfield University, and a Senior Lecturer in War Studies and International Affairs at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He is author of five books on military history.

Keith Simpson's Experience

Keith was National Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Conservative Students from 1972 to 1973.

He was Head of Foreign Affairs and Defence at Conservative Central Office from 1986 to 1988. From 1988 to 1990, he was Political Adviser to the Secretaries of State for Defence, George Younger, and Tom King.

He was the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Plymouth Devonport in 1992. At the 1997 General Election, Keith was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk with a majority of 1,336.

In July 1997 he was appointed to the Conservative Parliamentary Defence Committee. In June 1998 he was appointed a frontbench defence spokesman. From June 1999 to June 2001, he was an Opposition Whip responsible for Treasury, Home Affairs and Health. He was subsequently appointed Shadow Agriculture Spokesman in October 2001. From 2002 to 2005, he was Shadow Minister for Defence; since May 2005, he has served as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.