A former broadcaster and entrepreneur, he held key roles as Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, a senior Government Whip, and a Shadow Trade Minister in Opposition. But as he puts it himself, his political career started out as just “a junior pipsqueak” working under Kenneth Clarke in the Treasury during John Major’s premiership.
Before stepping into the political arena, Michael founded and ran a company that designed, manufactured, and installed studio equipment. He commissioned radio and television stations across 48 countries worldwide. This global experience in business shaped his international outlook and reinforced his belief in Britain’s place in the world.
“I came to the conclusion that our focussing on Europe at the expense of the rest of the world was not in the long term interests of the UK.”
Before his business ventures, he was a journalist in news and current affairs at BBC Radio, even making occasional appearances on Woman’s Hour — a fact that still surprises some and amuses many.
Born in Rottingdean, Sussex, Michael’s academic journey was as varied as his career, spanning Oxford, Loughborough, Sussex, and the University of Southern California, where his studies included law and econometrics after first attending his local grammar school.
In 1992, he entered Parliament, and despite boundary changes and shifting political tides, he steadily grew his majority – from a razor-thin 238 in 1997 soaring to over 24,000 in 2019. However, the 2024 election, saw adverse boundary changes to Lichfield and with some of his supporters voting Reform, he narrowly lost after 32 years’ service.
A regular and outspoken voice in the House of Commons, Michael’s absence was deeply felt, with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle noting after the 2024 election that he was someone “the whole House will miss”. But politics aside, Michael has never shied away from the limelight. A familiar face on TV, he has graced the sets of Have I Got News for You, Pointless Celebrities, and even Celebrity First Dates – which was plugged in advance by Theresa May during Prime Minister’s Questions!
Now dividing his time between Lichfield, London’s TV studios and pubs, hiking in the breathtaking landscapes of southern Snowdonia, and regular trips to the USA, Michael remains an informed, engaging, and highly entertaining speaker.
Whether in Parliament, on screen, or behind the microphone, he continues to be a voice worth listening to – whether you agree with him or not!
For further information about Michael Fabricant please contact his agent, andrew@cloud9management.co.uk
