Career Timeline of Robert Halfon: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Robert Halfon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Robert Halfon is a British Conservative Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Harlow from 2010 to 2024. As an MP, he was known for his focus on social justice and advocating for the interests of working-class families. His political career involved various roles within the Conservative Party, and he frequently contributed to debates on education, skills, and employment. Halfon's priorities included improving apprenticeships and vocational training, reducing the cost of living, and promoting a fairer society for all.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1922: Election to the Executive

In 2010, Robert Halfon was elected to the executive of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs.

2001: 2001 General Election

In the 2001 general election, Robert Halfon stood in Harlow, securing 34.8% of the vote, placing second behind Labour MP Bill Rammell.

2005: 2005 General Election

In the 2005 general election, Robert Halfon again stood in Harlow and came in second with 41.2% of the vote behind Bill Rammell.

June 2010: Maiden Speech in the House

On June 2, 2010, Robert Halfon delivered his maiden speech in the House of Commons.

2010: MP for Harlow

In 2010, Robert Halfon became the Member of Parliament for Harlow.

2012: Publication of 'Stop the Union Bashing'

In 2012, Robert Halfon published a pamphlet called 'Stop the Union Bashing: Why Conservatives Should Embrace the Trade Union Movement' through the thinktank Demos.

2013: Advocacy for Lower Tax Rate on Low-Paid Workers

In 2013, Robert Halfon campaigned for reducing the tax rate on low-paid workers, suggesting the reintroduction of the 10p band of income tax or an increased National Insurance threshold as an alternative to the living wage.

2013: Petrol Promise Campaign and Award

In 2013, Robert Halfon presented a petition signed by 30,000 motorists calling for an inquiry into price-fixing at the Office of Fair Trading, and won The Spectator's Campaigner of the Year Award for his work fighting to keep petrol duty low.

2013: Campaign Against Privatised Utility Companies

In 2013, Robert Halfon published a study of water companies in East Anglia examining their profits and called for an inquiry, also advocating for a windfall tax on energy companies unnecessarily raising prices.

July 2014: Parliamentary Private Secretary

On 18 July 2014, Robert Halfon was chosen by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, to be his Parliamentary Private Secretary.

September 2014: Opening of Sir Charles Kao UTC

In September 2014, the Sir Charles Kao UTC, a new university technical college, opened in Harlow following Robert Halfon's campaign for its construction.

May 2015: Minister without Portfolio and Deputy Chairman

Between May 2015 and July 2016, Robert Halfon served as Minister without Portfolio and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.

May 2015: Appointment to Cabinet

In May 2015, Robert Halfon joined Prime Minister David Cameron's Cabinet as Minister without portfolio and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.

2015: Re-election as MP for Harlow

In 2015, Robert Halfon was re-elected as MP for Harlow, increasing his vote share to 48.9% and securing a majority of 8,350.

July 2016: Minister of State at the Department for Education

From July 2016, Robert Halfon served as Minister of State at the Department for Education.

July 2016: Minister of State for Skills

In July 2016, Robert Halfon began serving as Minister of State for Skills at the Department for Education in Prime Minister Theresa May's government.

June 2017: Departure as Minister of State for Skills

In June 2017, Robert Halfon left his position as Minister of State for Skills at the Department for Education.

June 2017: Dismissal as Minister of State

On 12 June 2017, Robert Halfon was dismissed from his role as Minister of State by Prime Minister Theresa May.

July 2017: Chair of Education Select Committee

In July 2017, Robert Halfon became the Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee.

2017: Re-elected in 2017 General Election

In the 2017 snap general election, Robert Halfon was re-elected with 54% of the vote, although his majority decreased to 7,031.

July 2018: Call for Bouncy Castle Regulation

In July 2018, Robert Halfon called for an "urgent investigation" into the regulation of bouncy castles following the deaths of two children. He suggested a temporary ban in public areas until safety could be assured.

2019: Re-election in 2019 General Election

In the 2019 general election, Robert Halfon was re-elected with an increased vote share of 63.5% and a majority of 14,063.

November 2021: Ten Minute Rule Bill on School Closures

In November 2021, Robert Halfon introduced a new Ten Minute Rule Bill to prevent future school closures, proposing to reclassify schools as essential infrastructure.