John Purvis (politician)

John Purvis (born 6 January 1938) is a Scottish Conservative and Unionist politician. He served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Scotland from 1979 to 1984, and again from 1999 to 2009.

Purvis was educated at Glenalmond College and later studied at St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in economics. Before entering politics, he worked in the private sector, primarily in finance and investment management.

As an MEP, Purvis was a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. He focused on issues related to financial services, energy policy, and the European single market. He was a strong advocate for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and pushed for policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Purvis was a prominent figure in the Scottish Conservative Party and held various positions within the party structure. He lost his seat in the 2009 European Parliament election. Since leaving the European Parliament, he has remained active in public life, offering commentary on political and economic issues. He is a supporter of closer integration within the European Union, particularly in the area of economic policy.