The Rt Hon David Willetts
Biography
David Willetts was appointed Minister for Universities and Science in May 2010. He was elected Conservative MP for Havant in Hampshire on 9 April 1992.
Education
David was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham and Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics and economics.
Career in politics
David began his career in Parliament as the MP for Havant in 1992. He served as Paymaster General and then in the Shadow Cabinet in a range of roles, including Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Shadow Secretary for Education and Skills, and Shadow Secretary for Innovation, Universities and Skills. He has also worked at HM Treasury and in the Number 10 Policy Unit.
Career outside politics
David was a visiting fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford, is a governor of the Ditchley Foundation and a member of the Council of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. He has written widely on economic and social policy. In 2011 he published a book, ‘The Pinch: How the baby boomers took their children’s future – and why they should give it back’.
Personal life
David is married to the artist Sarah Butterfield, with whom he has 2 children.
Previous roles in government
Announcements
Subscriptions
- Universities of Strathclyde and Surrey selected as the preferred partners of National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- Speech by David Willetts to the UK Science Park Association
- £52 million boost for skills and training in UK science sectors
- David Willetts speech to the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows Forum
- £400 million to fund growth of British innovation
- UK and China agree multi-million pound global research deals
- David Willetts welcomes Universities Week with £48 million investment in biomedical research
- New scheme to help businesses defend against cyber threats goes live
- Leading Cambridge professor receives honorary OBE
- The Great British Space Dinner