Phil Willis MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough

Phil Willis MP was born in Burnley Lancashire in 1941. He was educated at Burnley Grammar School, City of Leeds and Carnegie College and Birmingham University where he graduated with a Degree in Philosophy, and he spent much of his professional life in teaching. From 1978 until 1997 he worked was Head of two large comprehensive schools in Middlesbrough and Leeds where he achieved national recognition for his pioneering work on inclusive education.

He entered Parliament as MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough in 1997, defeating Norman Lamont the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was a former Leader of Harrogate Council where he is credited with the revival of Harrogate International Centre, turning it into one of the most successful conference and exhibition centre businesses in the UK.

In 1999 he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills by Charles Kennedy retaining the post until the 2005 General Election when he was appointed Chairman of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee. As Chairman he has developed a special interest in evidence based policy making, knowledge transfer leading to wealth creation and medical science.

In May 2007 he was also appointed Chair of the Joint Committee on the Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill.

Phil Willis has a wide range of interests in Parliament where he is Chairman of the All Party Group on Mobile Communications, co-Chair of the Science and Learning Group, Treasurer of the Medical Research Group and Vice Chair of the Engineering and IT Group. He is particularly interested in championing the work of the Alzheimer's Society, Shelter and the NSPCC.

Married with two children he is a keen supporter of Leeds United and spends much of his spare time in Ireland where he retains an interest in his family's farm in Donegal.