Tom Tugendhat Biography

Former UK security minister Tom Tugendhat running to be next Conservative leader: Former UK security minister Tom Tugendhat announced his candidacy for leadership of the Conservative Party following the party’s recent loss to Keir Starmer’s Labour Party. The party is scheduled to select its new leader on Nov. 2, with former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepping down due to the party’s poor election performance. Tugendhat expressed confidence in the party’s potential to win the next election and emphasized the importance of regaining the trust of the British people by fulfilling promises and securing the nation’s future. His decision to run for leadership comes shortly after former British foreign minister James Cleverly also declared his candidacy for the same position.

Tom Tugendhat Biography Info

About Tom Tugendhat Biography

Thomas Georg John Tugendhat MBE VR is a British politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, previously Tonbridge and Malling, since 2015. A member of the Conservative Party, he has been the Shadow Minister for Security since 2024.

Born: 27 June 1973 (age 51 years), Westminster, London, United Kingdom

Spouse: Anissia Tugendhat

Education: University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, St Paul’s Juniors, Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge

Office: Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom since 2024

Uncle: Christopher Tugendhat, Baron Tugendhat

Candidate for: 2024 United Kingdom House of Commons election – Tonbridge

Previous campaign: United Kingdom House of Commons election, 2019

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Early life and Education

Thomas Georg John Tugendhat was born on 27 June 1973 in Westminster to Sir Michael Tugendhat, a High Court judge, and his French-born wife Blandine de Loisne. He is the nephew of Lord Tugendhat, a businessman, former Vice President of the European Commission, and Conservative Party politician. Tugendhat attended St Paul’s School, London, an all-boys private school, before pursuing theology at the University of Bristol. He later completed a Master’s degree course in Islamic studies at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and studied Arabic in Yemen. Post-university, he had a brief stint as a journalist at the Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star.

Personal life

In 2024, Tugendhat, who holds both British and French citizenship, led a march against antisemitism in Manchester. His wife, Anissia Morel, is a lawyer and senior French civil servant. Tugendhat, a Roman Catholic, strongly identifies with the Jewish community due to his paternal grandfather being an Austrian Jewish émigré from Vienna who converted to Roman Catholicism. Following the December 2019 general election, Tugendhat spoke out against the antisemitism he encountered during the campaign, expressing disappointment at the lack of integrity. In November 2022, Tugendhat was banned from driving for six months and faced fines and points on his license for using his mobile phone while driving. He admitted guilt but clarified that he was not actively using the phone and later underwent a driving course.

Height

Tom studied theology at the University of Bristol and later earned a Master’s degree in Islamic studies at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He also learned Arabic in Yemen. Tom is 1.75m tall with a body weight that complements his personality.

Parents

Tom Tugendhat’s parents are Sir Michael Tugendhat and Blandine de Loisne. His father, a retired High Court judge in England and Wales, succeeded Mr Justice Eady in 2010. His mother, Blandine, has French heritage. Additionally, he is related to Chris Tugendhat, a former Vice-President of the European Commission. Tom Tugendhat himself is a Conservative politician and a life peer in the House of Lords, with a background in journalism and business.

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Who is Tom Tugendhat Wife? Does the pair have kids?

Tom Tugendhat is married to Anissia Tugendhat, and they had their wedding in England. Anissia, his wife, is a French judge and senior civil servant, while his father-in-law is a French diplomat and the lead Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe mediator in Ukraine. Tugendhat, a Catholic with a Jewish background, has two children. As of mid-2022, Tom and Anissia Tugendhat remain happily married without any conflicts. Although Anissia is not very active on social media, Tom frequently shares photos of their children on his Instagram and has even showcased how to style his daughter’s hair for other fathers. In a notable incident, Tugendhat was interrupted by his kids during a live interview on Sky News about the new COVID-19 restrictions.

How much is Tom Tugendhat Net Worth? Is he a millionaire?

Tom Tugendhat is estimated to have a net worth of around $4 million, mainly earned through his career as a politician. His total annual income, including his salary and other revenue streams, exceeds $1 million. Despite being one of the richest and most influential politicians in the UK, Tugendhat was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 New Year Honors for his ten years of service in the Territorial Army.

Who is Tom Tugendhat? Tonbridge MP launches Conservative party leadership bid

Tom Tugendhat wants to be Conservative Party leader. He believes he can lead the party to victory. The battle for the party’s future has started with nominations replacing Rishi Sunak. Tugendhat, a Tonbridge MP, said he would quit the European Convention on Human Rights to protect UK borders. In his Telegraph campaign, he emphasized unity on important issues like gender, taxes, defense, and net zero. Tugendhat stressed that institutions must serve the British people, or the UK might have to distance itself from them. He stands firm on conservative values like national security, lower taxes, and energy security as top priorities. Tugendhat aims not only for party leadership but also to become the next Conservative prime minister. The question remains: who is Tom Tugendhat and how did we reach this point?

Who is Tom Tugendhat?

Tom Tugendhat has represented the secure constituency of Tonbridge (previously known as Tonbridge and Malling) since 2015, transitioning from a successful military career to pursue a role in politics. He is considered a moderate figure within the Conservative Party, known for his vocal stance on military matters and advocacy for increased defense spending. Tugendhat, who is of Jewish descent, has actively participated in anti-Semitism demonstrations and shares two children with his wife, Anissia Morel, a French civil servant and lawyer. Recognized for his military contributions, he was honored with an MBE in 2010 for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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What roles has he had in government?

Mr Tugendhat served as the influential chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from 2017 to 2022 before transitioning to the role of minister of state for security under Liz Truss. Following the recent loss of power by the Conservatives to Labour, he has taken on a shadow role. Despite his current position’s relatively minor nature, Mr Tugendhat has openly expressed his ambitions, emphasizing the importance of winning the next general election for the benefit of the British people.

Has he run for the leadership before?

Mr. Tugendhat is running for the second time after his unsuccessful campaign in 2022, where he finished fourth in a competitive field vying to replace Boris Johnson. He expressed openness to running again during the election campaign, even before Mr. Sunak’s defeat. This time around, Mr. Tugendhat has secured the support of influential Tories Damian Green and Steve Baker, who endorsed him upon his announcement on Thursday. The pair emphasized the importance of having a leader who can effectively communicate strong ideas with determination and humility to unite the nation. Despite being from different factions within the Conservative Party, both Green and Baker agree that Tom Tugendhat is the right choice to provide the necessary leadership.

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Who else has announced Tory leadership bids?

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly was the initial candidate to declare his intention to run, but additional candidates are expected to join the race as campaigning extends throughout the summer and autumn. The final winner will not be revealed until November 2. Speculated candidates in the mix are Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Dame Priti Patel, and Robert Jenrick. Notably, Victoria Atkins and Jeremy Hunt have opted out of the race.

What is the history of Tom Tugendhat?

Thomas Georg John Tugendhat MBE VR (born 27 June 1973) is a British Conservative Party politician. He was the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2017 to 2022. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tonbridge and Malling since 2015. Tugendhat worked in the British Army until 2013.

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