Tom Brake, English politician

Thomas Anthony Brake, widely known as Tom Brake, is a respected British Liberal Democrat politician whose career has spanned over two decades in public service. Born on 6 May 1962, his commitment to democratic principles and his constituents has been a defining feature of his professional life, both within the hallowed halls of Parliament and in his subsequent advocacy roles.

Parliamentary Career: Representing Carshalton and Wallington

For an impressive 22 years, from the general election of 1997 until 2019, Tom Brake served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Carshalton and Wallington. This constituency, nestled in the London Borough of Sutton in South West London, was a significant Liberal Democrat stronghold under his stewardship. During his tenure, he was the voice of his constituents in the House of Commons, working tirelessly to address local issues, scrutinise government legislation, and debate national policy. His time as an MP saw him navigate various political eras, from the 'New Labour' governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, through the historic Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government (2010-2015), and into the politically charged years surrounding the European Union referendum and subsequent Brexit discussions. His dedication to local residents and his party's values made him a prominent figure in Westminster.

Post-Parliamentary Role: Director of Unlock Democracy

Following his departure from Parliament in the 2019 general election – a challenging period for many Liberal Democrat MPs – Tom Brake channelled his extensive experience and passion for reform into a new role. In October 2020, he was appointed Director of Unlock Democracy. This vital cross-party pressure group is dedicated to championing significant democratic reform across the United Kingdom. Unlock Democracy advocates for a political system that is more open, accountable, and truly representative of its citizens. Their campaigns often focus on crucial areas such as electoral reform, strengthening parliamentary oversight, enhancing citizen participation, and safeguarding fundamental rights and liberties. In this leadership position, Brake leverages his deep understanding of the UK's political machinery to drive the organisation's efforts, ensuring that the push for a more robust and fairer democracy continues to resonate in national discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tom Brake

Who is Tom Brake?

Tom Brake is a British Liberal Democrat politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Carshalton and Wallington for 22 years and is currently the Director of the democratic reform campaign group, Unlock Democracy.

When was Tom Brake born?

He was born on 6 May 1962.

What political party is Tom Brake affiliated with?

Tom Brake is a member of the Liberal Democrats, one of the UK's main political parties, typically positioned in the centre or centre-left of the political spectrum.

Which parliamentary constituency did Tom Brake represent?

He represented the Carshalton and Wallington constituency, located in the London Borough of Sutton, from 1997 to 2019.

How long did Tom Brake serve as an MP?

He served as a Member of Parliament for a significant period of 22 years.

What is Tom Brake's current professional role?

Since October 2020, he has been the Director of Unlock Democracy, a cross-party pressure group advocating for democratic reform in the UK.

What is Unlock Democracy?

Unlock Democracy is a non-partisan organisation in the UK that campaigns for a more open, accountable, and representative democracy, focusing on issues like electoral reform, parliamentary power, and civil liberties.