Mr Richard Holden
Conservative · Basildon and Billericay
FULL PROFILEMr Richard Holden is the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, first elected in 2019. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Government accountability and transparency · Immigration and asylum policy · Healthcare and NHS services · Transport infrastructure · Employment and disability rights
Positions
Immigration — Supports stricter immigration and asylum systems
strong
European Union — Strongly opposes EU integration
strong
COVID-19 Response — Supported government pandemic measures
moderate
Government Powers — Supports delegating more powers to ministers
moderate
Healthcare — Advocates for NHS capacity and testing infrastructure
moderate
Transport — Supports bus service improvements and HS2 updates
moderate
Disability Employment — Advocates for helping disabled people into employment
weak
Musicians' Rights — Supports touring rights for musicians post-Brexit
weak
Notable Rebellions
2023-03-07 — Voted against government position on public order measures, suggesting concerns about civil liberties aspects
2022-10-18 — Supported additional provisions in Public Order Bill, showing nuanced position on law and order legislation
2022-07-04 — Supported amendments to Northern Ireland legacy legislation, indicating specific concerns about the bill's approach
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and constituency-focused, with a strong emphasis on government accountability through detailed parliamentary questions. Demonstrates tactical political thinking in his approach to opposition scrutiny, often focusing on procedural and administrative details to challenge government positions.
Background
Before entering Parliament, Richard Holden worked in political communications and campaigning, having served as a Conservative Party organiser and political advisor with experience in campaign management and media relations.