Ex-Conservative MP and railway fan Michael Portillo to give a special talk in Cromer
Michael Portillo who will be talking in Cromer about railways as well as his political career. Picture: SUBMITTED - Credit: Archant
Seasoned traveller and ex-Conservative MP Michael Portillo will be talking about his political career as well as his passion for railways on Cromer Pier this Valentine's Day.
It is the first time he has done a public talk at the Pavillion Theatre and will open this year's new season of arts events at the iconic venue.
The former cabinet minister will present his talking head show Life- A Game of Two Halves on Saturday February 14 at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £15.
After the talk, audience members will be able to ask questions.
Mr Portillo was born in North London in 1953. His father, Luis, had come to Britain as a refugee at the end of the Spanish Civil War and his mother, Cora, was brought up in Fife.
You may also want to watch:
After reading history at Cambridge University he moved to the Conservative research department in 1976, where he spent three years.
At the 1979 General Election he was responsible for briefing former prime minister Margaret Thatcher before press conferences.
Most Read
- 1 Extent of Norwich Prison Covid outbreak revealed
- 2 Tributes to 'Winkle' - the legendary landlord who broke the mould
- 3 Village care home confirms coronavirus outbreak
- 4 'Sounded like my roof was coming off': RAF jet sonic boom heard over city
- 5 Town clerk sacked following months of controversy
- 6 New drive-thru McDonald's to create 65 jobs
- 7 Mansion for sale for £2.5million with helicopter pad
- 8 Flood alerts across Norfolk ahead of expected rain
- 9 Police concerned for welfare of missing 14-year-old girl
- 10 Couple sell pub with Nelson link after council stops dream project
In December 1984 Michael won the by-election in Enfield, Southgate, and held the seat for 13 years before he was defeated in the 1997 General Election.
During his time in government as a cabinet minister he was chief secretary to the treasury, secretary of state for employment and secretary of state for defence.
He was re-elected to parliament in a by-election in Kensington and Chelsea in November 1999 and was shadow chancellor of the exchequer in from 2000-2001.
Following the Conservatives' General Election defeat in 2001, he unsuccessfully contested the party leadership and left the House of Commons in 2005.
After leaving politics he presented and took part in television and radio programmes.
He has made 100 programmes in the series Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys for BBC2.
To book tickets call the box office on 01263 512495 or visit www.cromer-pier.com
To have a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the talk buy a copy of today's North Norfolk News to enter a Guide competition.
