The Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride

Mel currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Central Devon and as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, leading the shadow Treasury ministerial team and developing Conservative economic policy while holding the government to account on the economy. Previously, he held roles including Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, overseeing a £250 billion budget and 90,000 staff, and Chair of the Treasury Select Committee. His career also includes serving as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons.

He studied PPE at St Edmund Hall from 1981-1984 and whilst at Oxford served as President of the Oxford Union and the Oxford University Conservative Association. He has entrepreneurial experience having started his own businesses (exhibitions, conferences and publishing) in 1986.

Beyond politics, Mel is passionate about history, especially London’s heritage. This interest led him, as a hobby, to become a qualified Blue Badge Tour Guide, authorized to guide at major cultural landmarks such as the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. Mel has promoted cultural preservation, including sponsoring legislation to protect and encourage the loan of significant cultural objects to UK museums.

He is married to Michelle and the proud father of three daughters.