BURNS, Simon

Member for Chelmsford since 6 May 2010, Chelmsford West 1997-2010. Committees: Member, Health Select Committee 1999-2005. Political career: Minister of State for Health, Department of Health since 2010; Opposition Whip 2005-10; Frontbench Spokesperson on Health 2001-05; Frontbench Spokesman, Environment 1988-99; Frontbench Spokesman, Social Security 1997-98; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health 1996-97; Lord Commissioner (Senior Whip) 1995-96; Assistant Government Whip 1994-95; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Gillian Shephard as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1993-94; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Minister of State for Energy 1992-93; PPS to Minister of State for Education 1990-92; PPS to Minister of State for Employment 1989-90; Management Committee, Fulham Conservative Association 1983-86; Parliamentary Candidate for Alyn and Deeside 1983; Executive Council, Putney Conservative Association 1977-81; Political Adviser to Rt Hon Sally Oppenheim MP 1975-81; worked for Senator George McGoverns 1972 Presidential Campaign against Richard Nixon. Special political interests: American politics, health. Education: Christ the King School, Accra, Ghana; Stamford School, Stamford; Worcester College, Oxford, BA History. Hobbies: Reading, collecting second-hand books. b. 6 September 1952, Nottingham. Divorced with two children.