Michael Fabricant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Fabricant
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Official portrait, 2017
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| Lord Commissioner of the Treasury | |
| In office 11 May 2010 – 4 September 2012 |
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| Prime Minister | David Cameron |
| Preceded by | Bob Blizzard |
| Succeeded by | Desmond Swayne |
| Member of Parliament for Lichfield Mid Staffordshire (1992–1997) |
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| In office 9 April 1992 – 30 May 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Sylvia Heal |
| Succeeded by | Dave Robertson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Louis David Fabricant
12 June 1950 Brighton, Sussex, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Domestic partner | Andy Street (1990–present) |
| Residences | London, England; Lichfield, Staffordshire, England |
| Education | Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School |
| Alma mater | Loughborough University University of Sussex |
Sir Michael Louis David Fabricant (born 12 June 1950) is a British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Lichfield in Staffordshire. Before that, he represented Mid Staffordshire. He was an MP from 1992 until 2024.
Mr. Fabricant also held important roles within his party. He was the vice-chairman of the Conservative Party. In this role, he helped plan election campaigns. He also served as a spokesperson for trade and economic affairs. From 2005 to 2010, he was an Opposition Whip. This meant he helped make sure party members voted together.
Early Life and Education
Michael Louis David Fabricant was born on 12 June 1950 in Rottingdean, Brighton. His father was a Rabbi.
He went to Brighton Secondary Technical School and Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School. He studied economics at Loughborough University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there. Later, he studied at the University of Sussex. He received a master's degree in operations research in 1974. He also did research at other universities.
Before becoming an MP, he worked in business. For 11 years, he was a director and co-founder of a company. This company made and managed broadcasting equipment.
In 1987, Mr. Fabricant ran for MP in South Shields. He came in second place. In 1990, he became the chairman of the Brighton Pavilion Conservative Association. He held this position until he was elected to Parliament.
Parliamentary Career
Michael Fabricant was first elected to Parliament in 1992. He became the MP for Mid Staffordshire. He won with 49.7% of the votes. His first speech in Parliament was on 2 July 1992.
In Parliament, he joined the European Legislation Select Committee in 1992. He also served on the National Heritage Select Committee. In 1996, he became a Parliamentary Private Secretary. This role helps a minister with their duties.
Before the 1997 general election, his constituency changed. Mid Staffordshire was replaced by Lichfield. He was elected as the MP for Lichfield in that election.
After the 1997 election, he joined the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. Later, he moved to the Home Affairs Select Committee in 1999.
He was re-elected as MP for Lichfield in 2001. His share of the vote increased to 49.1%. He rejoined the Culture, Media and Sport committee. He also became chairman of the Information Committee. In 2003, he became a spokesperson for trade and industry. Later that year, he became a spokesperson for economic affairs.
Mr. Fabricant was re-elected again in 2005. He became an opposition whip after this election. In 2008, he started a group called Conservative Friends of America.
Also in 2008, he spoke in Parliament about funding for inland waterways. He suggested that heavy goods should be moved by canals. This would take them off Britain's roads.
He was re-elected in the 2010 general election. His vote share increased to 54.4%.
In November 2012, he wrote a paper called "The Pact." It suggested a political agreement between the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and the Conservative Party. This agreement would include a public vote on staying in the European Union.
In April 2014, he was removed from his role as vice-chairman of the Conservative Party. This happened after he made comments about a colleague's resignation. He also opposed the HS2 rail project. He believed it was too expensive and harmful to the environment.
He was re-elected in the 2015 general election. His vote share increased to 55.2%.
In a 2016 debate, he strongly disagreed with a statement about Brexit. He believed that leaving the European Union would lead to more global trade. He said, "I think we are part of a global economy and that we will be far wealthier trading globally than the current situation."
He was re-elected again in the 2017 general election. His vote share increased to 63.6%.
In Parliament, he served on several committees. These included the Administration Committee and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Mr. Fabricant had a flag from the apartheid era of South Africa in his office. He explained that he had flags from countries where his old company had clients. He said he did not support what was happening in South Africa at that time.
He was re-elected in the 2019 general election. His vote share increased to 64.5%.
In April 2022, he urged Boris Johnson to apologize for breaking Covid rules. Mr. Fabricant said he did not think Mr. Johnson meant to break the law. He compared it to teachers and nurses having a quiet drink after a long shift. This comment caused some discussion.
He supported Penny Mordaunt in the Conservative Party leadership election in 2022. He was knighted in 2023.
In March 2024, he was chosen again to be the Conservative candidate for Lichfield. However, he lost his seat in the 2024 general election.
Media Appearances
Mr. Fabricant was a political adviser for a 1995 BBC drama series. He also had a small role in the show.
In 2017, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, mentioned that Mr. Fabricant would appear on the Channel 4 show Celebrity First Dates. He appeared on the show in November 2017. In April 2025, Mr. Fabricant was a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother. He was the first contestant to be voted out.
Personal Life
Mr. Fabricant lives in London and Lichfield. He shares a holiday home in Snowdonia with his partner, Andy Street.
In 2015, Mr. Fabricant was diagnosed with skin cancer and prostate cancer. He had surgery to treat prostate cancer. He spoke about his treatment in Parliament. He highlighted the need for more prostate cancer nurses.
Mr. Fabricant's blond hair has been a topic of discussion. Some people have wondered if he wears a wig. He has stated that his hair is a personal matter. He has not confirmed whether it is natural or a wig.
Honours
Michael Fabricant was made a Knight Bachelor on 9 June 2023. This was part of the 2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours.
