Michael was educated at both state and independent schools, in England and Scotland, and his mother worked at Aberdeen School for the Deaf and Aberdeen University.
All his experiences have led to a commitment to raise standards in state schools and help children from less privileged backgrounds maximise their potential.
Michael was brought up in Aberdeen by his mother and father, who ran a fish-processing business. He is married to Sarah Vine, a writer for The Times, and has two children.
Michael has been MP since 2005. He is an active local campaigner, having run vital projects to protect the local environment, improve public transport and help police deal with anti-social behaviour.
Michael worked as a journalist before entering into politics, and whilst at The Times he joined Frances Lawrence, widow of murdered headmaster Philip Lawrence, to fight street crime and its causes. Their campaign influenced legislation to ban combat knives and led to the creation of an award scheme for good citizenship among the young. This desire to encourage young people to lead better lives has carried through into Michael’s present role as Secretary of State for Education.
POSITIONS HELD:
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MP for Surrey Heath, May 2005 –
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Shadow Minister for Housing, Dec 2005 - June 2007
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Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, June 2007 - May 2010
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Secretary of State for Education, May 2010 -
FAMILY LIFE:
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Married to Sarah Vine
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Two children