Liam Fox

Liam Fox, born on September 22, 1961, is a prominent British politician and physician known for his extensive career in public service. A member of the Conservative Party, he represented North Somerset, previously Woodspring, as a Member of Parliament from 1992 until 2024. His journey in politics began after he studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, where he worked as a general practitioner and a civilian army medical GP.

Fox held various ministerial roles under Prime Minister John Major, including serving as the Constitutional Affairs Spokesman from 1998 to 1999 and Shadow Health Secretary from 1999 to 2003. He was appointed Chairman of the Conservative Party from 2003 to 2005, and later took on the roles of Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Defence Secretary until 2010.

His tenure as Secretary of State for Defence from 2010 to 2011 was marked by controversy, leading to his resignation over allegations involving a close friend. In July 2016, following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, Fox was appointed the first Secretary of State for International Trade by Prime Minister Theresa May, also taking on the role of President of the Board of Trade.

Despite his significant contributions, Fox faced challenges, including being the Shadow Cabinet minister with the largest over-claim on expenses during the 2009 scandal. He made two unsuccessful bids for the leadership of the Conservative Party in 2005 and 2016. In July 2019, he lost his cabinet position under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In recognition of his public and political service, Fox was knighted in 2023.