David was born in 1953, educated at Fortrose Academy and obtained a law degree from Aberdeen University. He served in the Territorial Army from 1976-1979 as an officer in the 51st Highland Volunteers.
He lives near Hesket Newmarket, in his constituency, and his parents farmed on the Black Isle in the North of Scotland. After University, he joined a leading international security company and held various managerial positions before entering Parliament.
David Maclean's Experience
David has been Member of Parliament for Penrith and the Border since July 1983 when he won a by-election, caused by the elevation to the peerage of the Rt Hon Viscount Whitelaw KT CH MC. He became an Assistant Government Whip in 1987, and was made a Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury (Government Whip) in July 1988. From July 1989 until April 1992, David was Parliamentary Secretary at Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. From April 1992 until May 1993, David was Minister of State for the Environment and Countryside at the Department of the Environment.
In May 1993, David was appointed Minister of State at the Home Office, with responsibility for policing and criminal justice policy. In the Birthday Honours of June 1995, David was made a Privy Counsellor. In 1998 he set up a new research unit for Conservative MPs called the Parliamentary Resources Unit, which continues to flourish as a well respected resource open to all Conservative Parliamentarians. From 2001 to 2005, he served as Opposition Chief Whip in the Commons.