One in four new MPs have business experience

One in four new MPs have run their own business, according to a survey released on Monday.

The Federation of Small Businesses says the development will increase the voice of commerce and industry in the new parliament.

More than 30 of the 124 MPs elected to parliament for the first time this May have experience of working for themselves or for their family firm.

The new intake includes a tea importer (David Davies), a graphic designer (Lynne Featherstone), a purveyor of Caribbean food (Stephen Crabb), a video producer (Celia Barrow) and a fireworks manufacturer (Mark Lancaster) in addition to the usual smattering of farmers (two Conservative and one SNP) and barristers (three Conservative and two Labour) who are self-employed.

On the Conservative benches the publishing industry is well represented. Graham Stuart, John Penrose, and Jeremy Hunt were publishers, with Grant Shapps owning a print firm. Retailer Philip Dunne was the owner of Ottakers Books.

"Entrepreneurs create jobs and generate wealth but until now they have been under-represented in the House of Commons," said John Walker, FSB national policy chairman.

"With so many new MPs having worked for themselves, this election may have represented a watershed.

"We hope parliamentarians will draw on their past experience and stick up for the four million people in this country who run their own business. We look forward to their support."