In July 2007 he joined David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet as Communities and Local Government Secretary

"The victory in Crewe crowns a remarkable month for Mr Pickles, the shadow secretary of state for local government and an increasingly influential figure in Tory campaign strategy."

James Kirkup of the Daily Telegraph

“If you ever start to worry that Dave's Conservatives are all soft-cheeked trendy toffs, take a moment to admire the girth, the stout cloth, dammit, even the tie-clip of this briny, plain-speaking, subtle, human politician.”

Benedict Brogan of the Daily Mail

 

“the jovial and blunt-speaking shadow communities secretary”

 

Nicholas Watt of the Guardian

 

"The man is - and aways has been - an absolute star."

 

Iain Dale of "Iain Dale's Diary"

 

"Cheerful Eric Pickles, ex-leader of Bradford council, now Cameroon local government spokesman (and hammer of the BNP when opportunity allows), made a wounding remark when he observed this morning that the Labour government seems to be "coming to the end of its natural life", running out of energy and ideas."

 

Michael White broadcaster and journalist

 

Pickles: 10p row made it respectable to dislike Brown

"Eric Pickles' stock has never been higher, not least for his masterful analysis over the last hour of last night. He has just offered a very cute analysis of the Labour wipeout, laying it at Gordon Brown's door."

Sam Coates of the Times 

Eric has helped organise the Conservative Party’s national local campaign for a number of years. To read the Guardian’s assessment of his role click here

To view conservativehome.com report on the 2008 election night click here

From August 2005 until July 2007 he was Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party

In June 2002, he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government & the Regions

In September 2001, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister for London.

In August 1998, Eric was appointed Frontbench Social Security Spokesman

From July 1997 until August 1998, Eric was a Member of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee, Chairman of the All Party Film Group, and Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Parliamentary Environment, Transport and The Regions Committee.

In 1996, he was a Member of the Transport Select Committee

From May 1993 until June 1997, he was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party, with special responsibility for local government affairs.

From February 1993 until May 1993, Eric was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Tim Sainsbury MP, Minister for Industry.

Eric has been Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar since April 1992. Previous political appointments include:

• Leader of Bradford Council (1988-1990),
• Deputy-Leader of the Conservative GroupAMA (1989-1991),
• National Young Conservative Chairman (1980-81)
• Member of Yorkshire Regional Health Authority (1982-1990),
• Vice-Chairman of Keighley Conservative Association (1986-1990),
• Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee Against Racism (1982-1987),
• Member of the Environment Select Committee (1992-1993).

Eric was born in 1952. He was educated at Greenhead Grammar School, Keighley, and Leeds Polytechnic. He is married. He has previously worked as a Consultant in Employment Practice and Local Government Editor for Conservative Newsline (1990-92).

Who works for Eric in Brentwood and Ongar?

Click here to see Eric’s latest expenses claim