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Richard Holden MP

Richard was elected in December 2019 and is the first Conservative Member of Parliament ever to be elected by the people of North West Durham.

Born in Blackburn, Richard grew up in the Pennine village of Grindleton, near Clitheroe. He attended the local village primary school and passed the 11+ to go to a grammar school in Skipton, North Yorkshire. He went to sixth form in Blackburn before going on to study at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he graduated in 2007.

Since then, he has worked in both the public and private sectors, as well as in politics. Before becoming an MP, he worked as Deputy Head of Press for the Conservative Party Headquarters and as a Special Adviser to the Secretaries of State for Education, Defence, Transport and in the House of Lords.

Following his election, Richard has been very active on behalf of his constituency, both locally and in Parliament, raising issues such as transport infrastructure, jobs and the economy, farming, and lobbying for a replacement to Shotley Bridge Hospital. He is also involved in national campaigns to better regulate gambling, provide better mental health services and help prevent suicide, and for environmental protection.

Richard served on the Public Accounts Committee from 2019-2022, which holds the Government to account for how taxpayers’ money is spent. He is also on the European Statutory Instruments Committee, which scrutinises all regulations that the Government is making during the transition period following our exit from the European Union. In addition, Richard was part of UK parliamentary delegations to overseas bodies for democracy, such as the Council of Europe and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. 

Since being elected to Parliament, Richard has led successful campaigns to change Government policy. Within weeks of being elected he successfully convinced the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reverse the 'Motorhomes Tax' - an EU regulation that had caused a huge rise in tax on motorhomes. This was severely impacting Elddis, a caravan and motorhome manufacturer that employs almost 500 people in his constituency.

Subsequently Richard has helped introduce a new draught beer duty for pubs and changed the law through the Health and Care Act to ban Virginity Testing and so-called hymen repair procedures. Richard also successfully campaigned in Parliament to extent the Automatic Enrolment of Pensions to 18 year-olds in order to boost the financial retirement prospects of millions across the UK.

In February 2022 Richard was promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This is an unpaid assistant role, acting as the 'eyes and ears' for the Department in the House of Commons, carried out in addition to his role as a Backbench MP. In September 2022 Richard was promoted to be the lead PPS to the Department for International Trade.

Richard was graciously appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport by HM The King on 28 October 2022. His brief includes roads, local transport, freight, and haulage. Richard proudly introduced the ‘Get Around for £2’ bus fair cap helping millions of people to save money on travel to work, and make the most of affordable days out.

Richard lives in Wolsingham. He enjoys cooking roasts, local pubs and walking in the Durham Dales.

 

News

Good News with Richard Holden MP

Good News Story of the Week - Childcare Vouchers

Wednesday, 19 April, 2023

Childcare vouchers are essential for many, particularly for those with children who have rare health conditions.

Lambing

Lambing Season in Weardale with Richard Holden MP

Saturday, 15 April, 2023

Lambing Season in Brotherlee, Weardale with Richard Holden MP 

Richard had a wonderful afternoon with the Wall family especially George, Oliver, Christine and Rebecca - meeting some of their new arrivals - including Gwen who is very keen on a bit of bottle feeding!

Knitsley Farm Shop wins ‘Highly Commended’ award for rural food!

Sunday, 2 April, 2023

Knitsley Farm Shop has been chosen as Highly Commended in the Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’ awards!

This prestigious award is testament to their hard work and commitment as a great local business – and huge thanks to everyone who voted for them from our area.

Richard Holden MP Beer Champion

Another Win for our Local Pubs!

Saturday, 28 January, 2023

We’re fortunate to have some of the country’s best pubs & clubs right on our doorstep. However, the sector has been hit harder than any both by the pandemic and energy price rises. I know they need our support now more than ever.

Snowy North West Durham!

Tons of Snow in North West Durham!

Tuesday, 24 January, 2023

North West Durham gets some of the most regular snowfall in England getting on average 50 snowy days a year - which is one of the reason's we're home to England's largest ski area in Weardale Ski Club!

Richard Holden MP Quizzed by students

Local MP visits Peases West Primary in Billy Row

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023

North West Durham MP, Richard Holden, had a cracking visit to a local school recently even if he was grilled by some of his youngest constituents. Commenting, he said:

Small Boat Crossings

Tackling Illegal Immigration Survey

Wednesday, 11 January, 2023

I'm really interested in finding out your views following the Prime Minister's announcement of his plan to tackle the small boat crossings and illegal immigration.

Local MP Wins Money for Local Constituents

Another Win for the People of North West Durham!

Tuesday, 10 January, 2023

Good News Story of the Week - support granted + apology and goodwill payment! 

As everyone knows, support for energy bills following the horrific invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s forces has been absolutely vital for thousands of my constituents. Mr M of Consett is no different.

Budget 2022

Mini-Budget Survey 2022

Monday, 10 October, 2022

With the Government bringing forward their long-term plan to get debt falling on the 31st October alongside the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) report, I'm interested to hear about your view on the budget proposals.

Please fill in my 3 minute survey below and add your thoughts.

The King and Prince of Wales

The Monarchy Survey

Tuesday, 27 September, 2022

During the mourning period between Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth's death and her funeral, the former Labour MP for North West Durham spoke out vocally against the monarchy. I thought this was inappropriate but she is entitled to her view. 

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Richard Holden MP for North West Durham

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