Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale has been Member of Parliament for Maldon since 1992, representing constituents in Westminster for over three decades.

Background

Educated at Winchester College and University College London, where he read Economics, John worked in Whitehall and the City before entering Parliament. He served in the Conservative Research Department, as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and later as Political Secretary and Private Secretary to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Parliamentary career

First elected in 1992, John has held a range of parliamentary and ministerial roles, including service on the Health Select Committee and the Opposition front bench as a Treasury spokesman and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Committee leadership

From 2005 to 2015, John chaired the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, leading major inquiries into phone hacking, the future of the BBC, gambling regulation, broadband, tourism and preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Government roles

Following the 2015 General Election, John was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and became a member of the Privy Council, overseeing policy across broadcasting, digital media, telecommunications, tourism, heritage, the arts and sport.

Recent service

John returned to Government in 2020 as Minister for Media and Data and was knighted in 2022 for political and public service.

Supporting constituents
As a Member of Parliament, John represents all residents regardless of how they voted. He regularly assists by raising issues with Government departments, making representations on behalf of constituents and bringing local concerns to national attention.

Need help?
If you live in Maldon and need support with housing, healthcare, transport, immigration or benefits, John’s office can assist and raise matters with the relevant authorities.

Constituency surgeries

John holds regular surgeries, typically on Fridays and Saturdays. To make an appointment or enquire about upcoming dates, please contact the Maldon Conservative Office on 01621 855663.

Recent appearances in the House of Commons Chamber

Supporting Ukraine

Sir John welcomes the Government’s continued support for Ukraine and calls for greater public awareness of the threat from Russia and action against companies continuing to trade there.

Media Green Paper

Chairing this debate, Sir John supports the proposed 2034 transition from digital terrestrial television but raises concerns about broadband access, commercial radio costs, and Government proposals on media prominence.

Falkland Islands Sovereignty

Sir John Whittingdale highlights the importance of maintaining close UK-US relations, citing American support during the Falklands War and its continuing importance to the UK’s position.

Sir John’s Anti-SLAPPs Bill

Sir John's Private Member’s Bill on SLAPPs seeks to strengthen protections against strategic litigation that he says can restrict legitimate investigative journalism and free expression.

Business Rates for all Businesses

Sir John Whittingdale calls for business rates relief to be extended to all high street businesses, highlighting the impact of business rates on jobs.

OSCE PA Vice President

Sir John Whittingdale has been elected Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, strengthening the UK's voice in international parliamentary diplomacy, security and democratic cooperation over the next three years.