Sam Gyimah was elected as the Member of Parliament for East Surrey in May 2010. He is a member of the International Development Select Committee and sits on the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission.

Sam's interests

Sam's interests include the economy, education, planning and the local environment as well as International Development issues.

Business and the economy

Access to finance is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. Using his experience from business, Sam has been leading a consultation, Beyond the Banks: Lending for Growth, with NESTA, the innovation think tank. The consultation has tapped in to the experience of business-owners, entrepreneurs and academics and as the first MP to call for 'credit easing', Sam is at the forefront of providing ideas as to how businesses can access much needed finance, by-passing the traditional, high street banks.

Education

Sam has served on the Development Board of Somerville College, Oxford University, since 2004 and has brought that experience to bear in the ongoing debate on University fees and Access to Higher Education. In 2010 he contributed to an anthology of essays on Higher Education published by the Social Market Foundation. He is passionate about encouraging young people to positively engage in politics.

Planning and Development

East Surrey is 94% green belt and has numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Protecting and preserving this heritage is a key concern for Sam. Since his election, he has campaigned against the Surrey Minerals Plan and a hard runway at the Redhill Aerodrome because of the likely negative impact on the local environment.

International Development

Sam's work on the International Development Select Committee has meant scrutinising UK aid and its effectiveness. He has a particular interest in how the private sector can be further harnessed to play an active role in development.

Sam is a supporter of a number of local charities including the Tandridge District Voluntary Council and St Catherine's Hospice. He is Vice President of the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy in Lingfield.

Sam's background

Born in Beaconsfield, Sam was state educated in schools both in the UK and Ghana before going on to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Somerville College, Oxford University. Upon graduating Sam gained a place on the graduate scheme at Goldman Sachs where he advised on mergers and acquisitions. After 5 years Sam left banking to go and develop a number of small businesses in the training, recruitment and internet sectors and was voted CBI Entrepreneur of the Future in 2005.

Outside of business, Sam became the Chairman of the Bow Group Think Tank in 2007, editing an anthology of essays on the Future of the Conservative Party ('From the Ashes...' published by Politico's Publishing Ltd). It was around this time that Sam decided to enter politics. He has also served as School Governor of an inner London school and on the Board of a housing association.

Sam is an arm chair fan of most sports and was a track and field athlete at school. In 2008 he ran the London Marathon, although now he can only manage the odd charity fun run! He is an Arsenal supporter and a keen follower of Formula One. He also enjoys cooking.