Conservative MP who sparked controversy for blocking a bill to make upskirting a criminal offense, and has been a vocal critic of the EU.
Christopher Chope is a British politician and barrister, best known for being a strong advocate for Brexit and serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Christchurch in Dorset since 1997. He has been an MP for over three decades, initially representing Southampton Itchen from 1983 to 1992.
Chope was born on May 19, 1947, in Putney, to Pamela (née Durell) and Robert Charles Chope, a circuit judge and former judge of county courts. He received his education at St Andrews Preparatory School in Eastbourne and Marlborough College, before attending Queens College at the University of St Andrews (now the University of Dundee), where he earned an LLB degree in 1970. Chope's contemporaries at university included Michael Fallon and Michael Forsyth, and he was influenced by Madsen Pirie. He completed his education at the Inns of Court School of Law and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in 1972.
Chope's political career began in 1974 when he was elected as a councillor on the Wandsworth London Borough Council. He became the council leader in 1979 and remained in the position until his first election to Parliament in 1983. Chope was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1982 New Year Honours for his services to local government.
In 1983, Chope was elected as an MP for Southampton Itchen, defeating the Social Democratic Party candidate Bob Mitchell by 5,290 votes. He became the first Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen since the constituency was created in 1950. Chope served as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Peter Brooke, the Minister of State at the Treasury, from 1986 to 1987, and was later promoted by Margaret Thatcher to serve in her government as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Employment from 1989 to 1990.
Chope has been a strong supporter of Brexit and has been involved with Leave Means Leave, a Eurosceptic pressure group. He has consistently voted against the European Union and has been vocal about his opposition to the EU's influence on British politics.
Chope has faced controversy during his political career, including criticism for his stance on Brexit and his association with Leave Means Leave. He has also faced accusations of being out of touch with his constituents and has been criticized for his voting record on certain issues.
Chope was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 for his services to local government. He has also received other honors for his contributions to politics and public service.
Chope is married and has two children. He has been involved in various charitable organizations and has been a strong advocate for local issues in his constituency.
Chope's legacy as a British politician is marked by his unwavering support for Brexit and his commitment to conservative values. Love him or hate him, Chope has been a prominent figure in British politics for over three decades, and his influence is likely to be felt for years to come.
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