Nigel Evans

Biography

Nigel - Early Years

Nigel was born in Swansea on 10th November, 1957.

He stayed in the city to attend Dynevor School and then University College, where he received a BA (Hons) in Politics.

Nigel now owns a convenience store in Swansea, which his grandfather set up in the 1930s.

Nigel joined the Conservative Party in 1974, aged 17. He was a councillor on West Glamorgan County Council 1985-1991.

He fought elections in Swansea West (1987) and Pontypridd (1989) before contesting Ribble Valley (1991).

Nigel in Parliament

Nigel lost that year - but won the seat back in 1992 with a majority of 6,542. In 1997 he increased his majority to 6,640 and nearly doubled it to 11,238 in 2001.

Nigel is a member of the all party groups dealing with music, tourism, manufacturing, drugs misuse, space group. His interests also cover small businesses, defence, agriculture, telecommunications and IT.

He is a former member of three select committees: transport, environment and public service.

Nigel in Government

Nigel worked as PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary) to the Rt Hon David Hunt MP while he was Employment Secretary and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster between 1993-1995.

He was then PPS to Tony Baldry MP, the Ministry of State for Agriculture, from 1995-1996 until he became PPS to the Rt Hon William Hague MP, Secretary of State for Wales, in 1997.

Nigel in Opposition

In June 1997, after the election and the Conservative leadership contest (in which he supported William Hague) Nigel was appointed front bench spokesman for Welsh Affairs and joined the Constitutional Affairs team.

In May 1999, William Hague appointed Nigel Evans a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party. He also led the Party's Information Technology for the Future group.

In November 2000, William Hague appointed Nigel to lead the Conservative Party's General Election campaign in Wales.

In September 2001 Iain Duncan-Smith appointed Nigel Shadow Secretary of State for Wales.