Served as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2024 (Lancaster and Wyre; Wyre and Preston North). Track record includes ministerial roles leading major defence programmes and alliances. Applicable skills include defence policy, alliance management, and strategic programme oversight. Appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Northern Ireland Office; Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime (2016); Secretary of State for Defence (2019), serving under three Prime Ministers and becoming the longest-serving NATO Defence Minister; led the UK response to the Ukraine conflict, delivered GCAP, and oversaw the creation of the UK National Cyber Force. Prior to politics, served as a Captain in the Scots Guards; knighted in 2024.