BERNARD Jenkin has been an MP for the Conservatives since 1992.
Mr Jenkin was first elected as an MP for the rural area of Colchester North and held his seat in 1997 despite a boundary change.
The 2010 election saw him hold on to his seat again as the constituency became Harwich and North Essex.
Prior to his election to the House of Commons, he worked in industry and commerce for the Ford Motor Company and for venture capital provider 3i PLC before being appointed manager of Legal and General Ventures Ltd.
From 1998 to 2001 he served as shadow transport secretary and as shadow defence secretary from 2001 to 2003.
The 55-year-old has championed Harwich and North Essex issues including concerns about maternity services, EU sulphur regulations and dangerous accident balckspot junctions on the A120.
His other campaigns have included making Harwich Fryatt hospital fully operational and supporting residents campaigning to free Mistley Quay and turn it into a village green.
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