David Rendel

David Rendel was Newbury's Member of Parliament for 12 years. He was elected in a by-election on 6 May 1993, with a majority of 22,055 - the largest Liberal or Liberal Democrat Westminster majority in history. He won again in the 1997 and 2001 general elections, but lost in 2005.

David was the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Higher and Further Education, and was at the forefront of the campaign against university tuition fees and top-up fees. He was Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Rowing Group and Joint Vice-Chair of the All Party Groups on Racing and Bloodstock Industries, Cycling and Universities.

As MP for Newbury, David was closely associated with successful campaigns for the Newbury By-Pass, the new West Berkshire Hospital, and a new cinema. In 2004, he introduced the Cinemas (Rural Areas) Bill in Parliament, calling for more support for local cinemas in rural communities and small towns. He was elected to Newbury District Council in 1987 and again in 1991, when the Liberal Democrats took control.

In 1999, David was one of five candidates for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats - a contest won by Charles Kennedy.

David was educated as a scholar at Eton College before spending 14 months as a volunteer teacher in Cameroon and Uganda with Voluntary Service Overseas. He then went to Oxford University where he gained a degree in Physics and Philosophy. David rowed in the record-breaking Boat Race crew of 1974.

After leaving Oxford, David worked in the energy industry (Shell International, British Gas and Esso) as a manager in the computing and finance departments.

David is married to Sue, a Newbury GP, and they have three sons who were all educated at local schools. A keen environmentalist, David is a frequent cyclist. He is also well known for his commitment to animal welfare.