Patron
Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling
Tom Tugendhat was elected as Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling in 2015 and was re-elected in 2017. On his return to Parliament, he was elected to be Chair of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
He ran for office after leaving the British Army in July 2013. As a Reservist, he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and, most recently, as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. He also worked for the Foreign Office and helped set up the National Security Council of Afghanistan and the government in Helmand Province.
Tom grew up in London and Sellinge, near Ashford, read Theology at Bristol University and studied Islamics at Cambridge University for a Master’s. His study included learning Arabic in Yemen. After graduating, Tom was a journalist based in Beirut, writing about the conflict as well as regional politics and economics.
Politically, Tom has been campaigning for transparency in financial institutions, including in pensions and asset management companies. He is a Dementia Friend and an active supporter of the Alzheimer's Society. He has served on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and writes regularly on a wide range of issues for outlets including the Spectator, Daily Telegraph, the Times, and the Financial Times.
Tom was appointed MBE for operational service in Afghanistan. He remains a reserve officer, is married to Anissia and has two children.