Profile

Former Liberal Democrat Peer

Entered the House of Lords on 24 July 2001

Previously MP for Yeovil until 14 May 2001 — General election

Left the House of Lords on 22 December 2018

Positions held at time of appointment: Member of Parliament for Yeovil, 1983-2001. Liberal spokesman for Trade and Industry, 1983-86; Alliance spokesman on education and science, 1987; Liberal Democrat spokesman on Northern Ireland, 1988-92; Leader, Social and Liberal Democrats, 1988-89, Liberal Democrats, 1988-99. (from Number 10 press release)

Entered the House of Commons on 9 June 1983 — General election

Also represented Yeovil

• Wikipedia page

Other offices held in the past

• Member, Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (15 May 2000 to 11 May 2001)
• Leader of the Liberal Democrats (16 Jul 1988 to 9 Aug 1999)
• Leader of the Liberal Democrats (16 Jul 1988 to 9 Aug 1999)
• Member, Members' Interests Committee ( 6 Mar 1984 to 26 Feb 1986)

Recent appearances

• Helicopters: UK Design and Manufacture - Question for Short Debate 10 Jul 2018

  I am sorry to intervene so early. The noble Lord said that “Yeovil and other parts of the country” are committed to the design and manufacture of helicopters. What other parts of the country apart from Yeovil can design and manufacture helicopters?

• Helicopters: UK Design and Manufacture - Question for Short Debate 10 Jul 2018

  I am sorry to take more of the Minister’s time. I notice he has three minutes left. He has been brilliant at identifying that this is not only a community asset for Yeovil but a national asset that is replaceable nowhere else, and has described very well the importance of the high technology there. Perhaps I may ask a direct question. The Government have a strategy to preserve our...

• Helicopters: UK Design and Manufacture - Question for Short Debate 10 Jul 2018

  I am grateful for the noble Lord’s helpful contribution, but I want to make it clear that Airbus maintains, changes and alters helicopters; it does not build them. That is a significant difference.

More of Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon’s recent appearances