Chris Coghlan
Liberal Democrat · Dorking and Horley
PARTIAL DATAChris Coghlan is the Liberal Democrat MP for Dorking and Horley, 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
SEND and education policy · Healthcare and GP shortages · Transport infrastructure · Defence innovation · Local government reform
Positions
SEND provision — Critical of local authority failures, advocates for stronger enforcement
strong
Healthcare workforce — Supports prioritising British medical graduates and increasing GP positions
strong
Assisted dying — Supports legalisation despite personal Catholic faith
strong
Defence procurement — Critical of MOD delivery failures, supports innovation for drone warfare
moderate
Transport modernisation — Advocates for contactless ticketing and Pay As You Go rail expansion
moderate
Local government — Concerned about democratic representation in unitary authority reforms
moderate
Environmental regulation — Supports water quality monitoring and sewage treatment investment
moderate
Children's rights — Opposes reducing children's rights even if reforms are beneficial
weak
Reasoning Style
Evidence-based and constituency-focused, drawing on military experience for practical solutions. Willing to take principled stands against pressure groups including his own faith community. Combines pragmatic policy questioning with moral arguments about systemic failures.
Background
Former army officer who founded the Renew Party before joining the Liberal Democrats. Has a military background which informs his approach to defence and public service issues.