Winter 2020

Off the naughty step In November 2019, Richard Benyon stepped down as MP for Newbury after serving his consituents for 14 years. He tells GERALDINE GARDNER what life is like after politics, that he doesn’t miss being on the naughty step and how his new unstructured life has never been busier

R ichard Benyon is looking He absentmindedly strokes his dog Willa’s ear as he looks back on what has been an extraordinary year for everyone, but one which has been the start of a new chapter for him personally. “I never thought of politics as a job for life, but I have always been fascinated by it and feel very privileged to have been involved as Newbury’s MP – and for so long.” After a career in the Army in the early 80s, he studied at the Royal Agricultural University, then worked as a Land Agent and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. His political career began in 1991 when he stood as a councillor. “I had no amibitions then of becoming an MP, but when the opportunity arose, I felt it was the right time and the right place. “Just as standing down in 2019 felt right - although had the General Election been held in a couple of years time, as it should have been, I would have hung on.” His last few months as an MP were not without controversy. When, in September 2019, he could not support the government and sided with 20 other Tory rebels on a crucial Brexit vote he was “put on the naughty step” for a while, although he did eventually have the whip reinstated. “That is something I will not miss,” he says. “Those 10pm calls from the whips office telling you to come in now for a vote. “Especially on your wedding anniversary!” he adds ruefully – another naughty step moment. During his 14-year career as an MP, he was Parliamentary Under Secretary relaxed and happy as we chat in his study at Englefield House.

And what about personal achievements – what is he most proud of from his time in parliament? “I think – and I hope – that I helped many people on a local level, but on a national level it would have to be the Natural Environment White Paper which was published in 2012. “It will take a generation to bear fruit, but it fundamentally showed a way to change our approach to conservation and instill a better understanding of the importance of nature and of looking after our natural resources.” The environment and nature is evident in the many new projects he is now involved in. “When I first decided to retire as an MP, I didn’t really have a plan as to what was next. “I knew I would get involved in charity work and I am now on the board of three close to my heart – Plantlife UK, Blue Marine Foundation and Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and an adviser to two environmental consultancies.” He has long been an advocate of cleaning up the rivers and waterways and during his time as an MP wrote a report on marine conservation. “I now have a new friend – Feargal Sharkey – who is passionate about the importance of preserving our chalk streams and holding the big water companies to account.” Feargal Sharkey was the lead singer of rock band The Undertones, before having a solo career. He then went on to become chief executive of UK Music. A keen angler, he has now turned his attention to cleaning up our water “The Environment Agency does what it can, but it’s all about priorities and Feargal’s voice is a tremendous asset to the campaign – and adds a bit of street cred!

of State for Natural Environment, Water and Rural Affairs, but was more recently happy to find a niche on the security committee, where his previous military experience came into its own. Does he miss anything about the cut and thrust of politics? “Honestly? Generally speaking, no, although I enjoyed tackling issues and just occasionally get a bout of FOMO - fear of missing out. “I am reminded of a song from the musical Hamilton – ‘I want to be in the room where it happens’. “I did enjoy sitting in the COBRA meetings where decisions were made, hearing all the arguments for and against, visiting GCHQ, MI6 and the like. “But I think the biggest thing I miss – and this is going to sound a bit of a clich é – is the range of people I got to meet on a daily basis within the constituency.

“I’m reminded of a song from the musical Hamilton – ‘I want to be in the room where it happens’.”

“It’s something I’ve often talk about with Laura [Farris, who succeeded him as Newbury’s MP]. You meet such amazing people, from the lollipop lady who has been quietly getting on with her job, to the charity stalwart who is recognised in the honours list and all the incredible companies and organisations. “It really is a huge privilege.”

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O&A WINTER 2020