Sir Ashley Fox
Conservative · Bridgwater
FULL PROFILESir Ashley Fox is the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, first elected in 2024. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Rural broadband and digital infrastructure · Criminal justice and sentencing reform · Water quality and environmental protection · Rural services and local government funding · Violence against women and girls support services
Positions
Broadband Infrastructure — Advocates for improved rural gigabit broadband access
strong
Criminal Justice — Opposes reforms that undermine trial by jury system
strong
Abortion Law — Opposes late-term abortion decriminalisation
strong
Economic Policy — Criticises Labour's anti-growth policies and tax increases
moderate
Rural Funding — Opposes cuts to rural services delivery grants
moderate
Water Quality — Supports river protection and water company regulation
moderate
Victim Support Services — Advocates for maintained funding for violence against women services
moderate
Smoking Ban — Supports generational smoking ban despite implementation concerns
weak
Notable Rebellions
2024-11-12 — Voted to support reform of hereditary peers system, breaking from traditional Conservative opposition to Lords reform
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and constituency-focused, often highlighting practical implementation concerns alongside policy positions. Combines ideological Conservative principles with evidence-based arguments about local impact, particularly emphasising rural disadvantage and business consequences of policy decisions.
Background
Sir Ashley Fox was previously a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) before entering the House of Commons, giving him significant experience in European politics and trade policy. His background includes work in the private sector before his political career.