FRANCOIS, Mark

Member for Rayleigh and Wickford since 6 May 2010, for Rayleigh 2001-10. Committees: Member, Environmental Audit Select Committee (EAC) 2001-05. Political career: Government Whip (Vice-Chamberlain of HM Household) since 2010; Shadow Minister for Europe 2007-10; Shadow Paymaster General 2005-07; Shadow Economic Secretary 2004-05; Opposition Junior Whip 2002-04; Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brent East 1997; Basildon District Councillor 1991-95. Special political interests: Defence, home affairs, housing, the environment. Profession/Trade: Public Affairs Consultant 1996-2001. Education: Nicholas Comprehensive School, Basildon; University of Bristol, BA History; Kings College, London, MA War Studies. Languages spoken: Italian (a little). Hobbies: Travel, walking, reading, history (particularly military history). b. 14 August 1965, Islington, London. Divorced.