Mark Harper, English accountant and politician, Minister of State for Immigration
Mark James Harper (born 26 February 1970) is a British politician and member of the Conservative Party. He has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Forest of Dean since 2005.
Harper was born in Swindon and studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Brasenose College, Oxford. He was a chartered accountant before his election to Parliament. He served in the Cameron–Clegg coalition as Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Minister of State for Immigration and Minister for Disabled People.
Harper served as Chief Whip of the House of Commons following the 2015 general election; before being sacked by incoming Prime Minister Theresa May in 2016. Harper was a candidate for Leader of the Conservative Party in the 2019 leadership contest. He is chair of the COVID Recovery Group of Conservative MPs advocating for looser COVID-19 restrictions.