Prior to Parliament, Tim worked in the private sector as a fund manager in the City of London before becoming a Director at Fleming Private Asset Management. Tim was first elected to Parliament in 1997 as Member for East Worthing and Shoreham and has been re-elected in 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Tim held various positions during his time in Parliament. He was Shadow Minister for Environment from 2000, Shadow Minister for Health and Children from 2003 during the Conservative Party’s time in opposition. He was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Children and Families following the 2010 General Election until 2012 leading on several areas of successful reform in child protection, child sexual exploitation and adoption in particular.
After rejoining the backbenches, he continued to work vigorously in support of improved policies in the main areas of his expertise. Tim chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group for Conception to Age 2 (first 1001 days) which has undertaken important work to improve Government’s work in peri-natal mental health and strong attachment for young children. He sits on the influential Home Affairs Select Committee and maintains role of Deputy Chair. Tim also chairs a number of All Party Parliamentary Groups covering a wide range of issues, such as Archaeology, Hockey, The British Museum, Tibet and is also Co-Chairs the APPGs for Mindfulness and Children. He was Vice Chairman of the All Party Groups on Youth and Care Leavers and a Vice President of the LGA (Local Government Association) and was Chairman of the Conservative Human Rights Commission.