Steve Baker (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Baker
FRSA
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Official portrait, 2020
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| Minister of State in the Cabinet Office | |
| In office 7 February 2024 – 5 July 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Rishi Sunak |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Minister of State for Northern Ireland | |
| In office 7 September 2022 – 5 July 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Liz Truss Rishi Sunak |
| Preceded by | Conor Burns |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union | |
| In office 13 June 2017 – 9 July 2018 |
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| Prime Minister | Theresa May |
| Preceded by | The Lord Bridges of Headley |
| Succeeded by | Chris Heaton-Harris |
| Member of Parliament for Wycombe |
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| In office 6 May 2010 – 30 May 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Goodman |
| Succeeded by | Emma Reynolds |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Steven John Baker
6 June 1971 St Austell, Cornwall, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Alma mater | University of Southampton St Cross College, Oxford |
| Signature | _signature.svg){kind=small} |
| Website | |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1989–1999 |
| Rank | Flight lieutenant |
| Service number | 5206370Q |
Steven John Baker (born 6 June 1971) is a British politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wycombe from 2010 to 2024.
He held important government roles. These included Minister of State for Northern Ireland and Minister of State in the Cabinet Office. Before becoming an MP, he worked as an engineer in the Royal Air Force.
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Early Life and Career
Steve Baker was born on 6 June 1971 in St Austell, Cornwall. He was one of nine children in his family.
He went to Poltair School and St Austell Sixth Form College. Later, he studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southampton. He also earned a Master's degree in Computation from St Cross College, Oxford.
On 3 September 1989, Steve joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an engineer. He became an Engineering Officer and was promoted to flight lieutenant in 1996. He left the RAF in 1999.
After the RAF, he worked as a software engineer and manager. He was involved with several technology companies. He also helped start The Cobden Centre, a charity that teaches about economics.
Becoming an MP
Steve Baker was chosen to be the Conservative Party candidate for Wycombe in 2009. He won the election in 2010 and became a Member of Parliament.
As an MP, he was known for speaking his mind. He was elected to the 1922 Committee, a group of Conservative MPs. In 2015, he was re-elected as MP for Wycombe.
He also helped create a group called Conservatives for Britain. This group campaigned for the UK to leave the European Union.
Important Roles in Government
Steve Baker became the leader of the European Research Group (ERG) in 2016. This group of Conservative MPs supported Brexit, which was the UK leaving the European Union.
After being re-elected in 2017, he became a junior minister. He worked in the department responsible for the UK leaving the European Union.
Resignation from Government
In 2018, Steve Baker resigned from his government job. He disagreed with Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit. He felt her plan was not what was promised.
After leaving the government, he became the Deputy Chair of the ERG. He continued to be a strong voice for Brexit.
Return to Government
In 2022, after Boris Johnson resigned as Prime Minister, Steve Baker considered running for leader. However, he decided not to and supported Liz Truss.
When Liz Truss became Prime Minister, Steve Baker was appointed Minister of State for Northern Ireland. This was an important role because of ongoing challenges with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
After Liz Truss resigned, he continued in the same role under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In 2024, he also became Minister of State in the Cabinet Office.
In the 2024 general election, Steve Baker lost his seat in Wycombe. He had been an MP for 14 years.
What He Believes In
Steve Baker is often seen as being on the right side of the Conservative Party. He is also described as a libertarian, which means he believes in individual freedom and limited government.
He is a Christian and attends a Baptist church.
Climate Change Views
Steve Baker has expressed some doubts about the exact impact humans have on climate change. He has said that he thinks bad economics might be a bigger problem than climate change.
He was a trustee for a group called the Global Warming Policy Foundation. This group has been criticized for its views on climate change.
He has also suggested that the UK should produce more natural gas. He believes this is better than relying on wind and solar power, which he calls "intermittent."
Brexit Views
Steve Baker strongly supported the UK leaving the European Union. He even joined the Conservative Party with this goal in mind.
He believes Brexit offers a chance for more free trade around the world. He once called himself "the hard man of Brexit."
Economic Views
Steve Baker supports ideas from the Austrian School of Economics. He has also suggested that the UK should return to the gold standard. This means the value of money would be directly linked to gold.
He was against quantitative easing, which is when a central bank creates new money. He thought it could lead to economic problems.
Marriage Views
Steve Baker voted against the law that allowed same-sex marriage in 2013. He believes that private individuals, not the government, should define what marriage means.
Personal Life
Steve Baker is married to Beth, who was also an officer in the RAF. They met during his first tour of duty.
His hobbies include skydiving and advanced motorcycling. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
