Brian Binley (13 May 1942 – 24 April 2020) was a British Conservative Party politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Northampton South from 2005 until 2015.
Early Life and Career
- Born in Bedford, England.
- Prior to entering politics, Binley worked in the private sector, notably in the lighting and electrical equipment industry, where he held managerial positions and later operated his own business.
Political Career
- Local Government: Before his parliamentary tenure, Binley was active in local politics, serving as a councillor on Northamptonshire County Council.
- Parliamentary Service:
- Elected MP for Northampton South in the 2005 general election, securing a majority of 5,555 votes.
- Re‑elected in 2010 with an increased majority of 10,774 votes.
- Served on the Treasury Select Committee (2009–2010) and the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (2010–2015).
- Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Minister for Trade and Industry (2009) and later to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (2012).
- Political Positions:
- Recognised as a Eurosceptic, supporting the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
- Advocated for issues affecting his constituency, including transport infrastructure, education funding, and small‑business support.
- Occasionally attracted media attention for outspoken comments on immigration and social policy, which were characterised by some outlets as controversial.
Later Life and Death
- Announced in 2015 that he would not stand for re‑election; the seat was subsequently won by the Labour candidate.
- Passed away on 24 April 2020 at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.
Legacy
Binley is remembered for his decade‑long parliamentary service, his involvement in fiscal oversight committees, and his advocacy of Conservative Eurosceptic positions within the House of Commons.