Brian Cotter, Baron Cotter

Brian Joseph Michael Cotter, Baron Cotter ( born August 24, 1936 in London) is a British politician. He was from 1997 to 2005 Member of Parliament for the Liberal Democrats in the constituency of Weston -super- Mare and belongs since 2006 to the House of Lords on.

Earlier life

He was born in London, the son of a doctor. He went to the Downside School in Somerset, where he ran the mile in 4 ½ minutes at the age of 16 years. After school he joined the British Army, where he for 2 years ableistete his military service and was temporarily stationed in Germany with the British Army of the Rhine. After studying economics in London, he led his own small business Able Plastic Ltd in Alton.

Political career

In 1997 he became the first non -Conservative since 1923 Member of Parliament for the constituency of Weston -super- Mare, for the seat he had fought in 1992. He was re- elected in 2001, but in 2005 the parliamentary seat of John Penrose was won by the Conservatives. During his time in Parliament he acted as a spokesman for SME of the Liberal Democrats.

In April 2006 it was announced that he would be appointed Life Peer to occupy a seat of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, and given the title Baron Cotter was awarded on May 30. His inaugural address was delivered on June 29.

He represents a variety of interests. In particular, he focuses on SME policy and apprenticeships.

Personal

He married in February 1963 Eyleen Patricia Wade. They have two sons and a daughter.