Duncan Baker

Duncan Charles Baker (born 15 November 1979) is a British Conservative Party politician, who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Norfolk since the 2019 general election.[1]

Duncan Baker

MP
Baker in 2019
Member of Parliament
for North Norfolk
Assumed office
12 December 2019
Preceded byNorman Lamb
Majority14,395 (28.3%)
Personal details
Born (1979-11-15) 15 November 1979
Norfolk, England
Political partyConservative Party (2016–present)
Other political
affiliations		UKIP (before 2016)
Children2 daughters
Alma materNottingham Trent University
Websitewww.duncanbaker.org.uk

Baker was born in November 1979 in Norfolk, and educated at Gresham's School, an independent school in Holt, Norfolk. He studied business at Nottingham Trent University and then qualified as a chartered accountant. He worked as Finance Director for the CT Baker Group prior to his election to Parliament in December 2019.[2] He is married and has two daughters.

His career in politics began with election to Holt Town Council in 2009, where he later served as Mayor and chaired the Holt 1940s weekend and Holt Owl Trail. [3] In May 2017, he was elected to North Norfolk District Council as District Councillor for Holt. [4]

He became Conservative Group Leader at NNDC in May 2019[5]. On election as an MP, he stood down from this position and was replaced by Christopher Cushing as Group Leader. However, he continues to serve as a district councillor.[6]

Baker has been critical of the Liberal Democrat administration at North Norfolk District Council. In October 2019, he wrote an open letter to NNDC's Leader, Sarah Butikofer, demanding that the council reconsider its decision to stop plans to bring a Wetherspoon's to North Walsham[7]. A petition started by Baker gained over 800 signatures. Following a series of Freedom of Information requests, he brought public scrutiny to bear on a £1,000-a-day procurement contract for a Capability Review at NNDC.[8]

In January 2020, he joined the Parliamentary Caucus of the Conservative Environment Network citing his commitment to tackling the effects of climate change.[9]. On 5th February 2020, he gave his Maiden Speech in the House of Commons, in which he paid tribute to his predecessor, Norman Lamb, and his late stepfather, Michael Baker.[10] He campaigns strongly for enhanced healthcare for North Norfolk and is presently working on upgrades to Cromer Hospital and better Accident & Emergency facilities at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. [11]

References
  1. "Norfolk North parliamentary constituency - Election 2019". BBC News. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  2. Anderson, Stuart (13 December 2019). "Profile of North Norfolk's new MP". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  3. "Duncan Baker". Holt Town Council. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  4. "Duncan Baker". North Norfolk District Council. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  5. Bale, David (22 May 2019). "Duncan Baker appointed Group Leader of the Conservative party at North Norfolk District Council". North Norfolk News. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  6. Nicholson, Abigail (13 January 2020). "New Leader of North Norfolk Conservatives announced as Christopher Cushing". North Norfolk News. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  7. Bale, David (18 October 2019). "Further calls for Norfolk council to bring JD Wetherspoon to North Walsham". North Norfolk News. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  8. Bristow, Tom (4 December 2019). "North Norfolk Council hired contact of Lib Dem Karen Ward for £1k a day job". Eastern Daily Press.
  9. "Conservative Environmental Network". Conservative Environmental Network. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  10. Nicholson, Abigail (5 February 2020). "North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker chokes back tears in maiden speech".
  11. "Exciting plans for Cromer Hospital". Retrieved 24 February 2020.
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Norman Lamb		 Member of Parliament for North Norfolk
2019–present		 Incumbent
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