Sir Edward Leigh

Sir Edward Leigh is a long-serving British Conservative politician who has represented the constituency of Gainsborough in the House of Commons since 1983. Following the 2024 general election, he became the Father of the House, a title bestowed upon the longest-serving Member of Parliament. Throughout his career, Leigh has been known as a socially conservative figure and a frequent internal critic of his own party. He previously chaired the Public Accounts Committee from 2001 to 2010, where he focused on government waste and financial accountability. A Roman Catholic, he has consistently advocated for traditional family values and has authored several books on political and religious themes.