Sir John Whittingdale
Conservative · Maldon
FULL PROFILESir John Whittingdale is the Conservative MP for Maldon, first elected in 1992. He is 66 years old. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Media and broadcasting policy · Healthcare services · Immigration and asylum · Cultural heritage and listed buildings · Gambling regulation
Positions
Immigration — Supports stricter controls
strong
EU Integration — Opposes further integration
strong
Healthcare — Market-oriented reforms
moderate
Media regulation — Supports independent broadcasting
strong
Cultural heritage — Supports funding for listed places of worship
moderate
Fox hunting — Opposes ban
moderate
COVID-19 measures — Supported government restrictions
moderate
Gambling regulation — Supports regulated industry
moderate
Notable Rebellions
2023-06-06 — Voted with government on standards matter despite low overall rebellion rate
2023-03-07 — Opposed government position on public order legislation
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and evidence-based, particularly in media policy where he draws on extensive sector knowledge. Takes a constituency-focused approach to healthcare issues, asking detailed questions about local hospital services and patient numbers.
Background
Sir John Whittingdale has extensive experience in media and broadcasting policy, having served as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and as a long-standing member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee before entering parliament in 1992.