James Cartlidge
Conservative · South Suffolk
FULL PROFILEJames Cartlidge is the Conservative MP for South Suffolk, first elected in 2015. He is 51 years old. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Defence and military procurement · Transport infrastructure · Ukraine support · Immigration and asylum policy · Energy policy
Positions
Defence procurement — Strong advocate for UK defence spending and domestic manufacturing
strong
Ukraine support — Robust military aid and continued support
strong
Immigration — Supports stricter controls while maintaining rule of law
moderate
Transport infrastructure — Advocates for rail improvements in East Anglia
moderate
EU relations — Pragmatic pro-EU despite constituency Leave vote
moderate
Energy policy — Supports offshore wind development
weak
Government transparency — Opposes excessive ministerial powers
weak
Judicial process — Defends right to legal defence and due process
moderate
Notable Rebellions
2023-03-07 — Voted against government position, likely on civil liberties grounds given his stated commitment to rule of law
Reasoning Style
Highly detail-oriented and technically focused, particularly on defence procurement and infrastructure. Combines constituency advocacy with broader policy expertise. Emphasizes rule of law and proper process over populist positions, showing pragmatic rather than ideological approach to complex issues.
Background
James Cartlidge entered Parliament in 2015 without a clearly documented professional background in the provided evidence, though his detailed engagement with defence procurement and technical policy issues suggests possible business or policy experience.