About Julian

Julian was first elected as MP for Skipton & Ripon in 2010.

Since joining parliament, he has focused on rural issues, education, business and international development concerns. He has campaigned hard for a fairer funding formula for rural schools and for improvements in the way the Trans-Pennine route is configured. He has also been closely involved in bringing the Tour de France Grand Depart to the UK.

In May 2015 Julian joined the Government as a Minister in the Whips’ Office and in July 2016 he was promoted to the position of Government Whip and Vice Chamberlain of HM Household. Following the 2017 General Election, he was appointed by the Prime Minister as Government Deputy Chief Whip. From November 2017 until July 2019, Julian served as Government Chief Whip. 

In July 2019, Julian was appointed by the Prime Minister as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Julian was again re-elected with an increased majority of 23,694 in 2019. 

Prior to becoming an MP, he had a successful career as an entrepreneur. In 1999, he set up Arq International, a leader in its field of executive recruiting, based in London and Singapore and working across Europe, Asia and the United States.

He grew up in Stirling in Scotland, and he read History and English at the University of Birmingham. He was previously educated at a local comprehensive and he received a sixth form bursary to Millfield School, Somerset.