Sir Edward Leigh is the longest-serving MP currently in Parliament, having been first elected in June 1983, and ranks first among Conservative MPs for length of service. He is a highly active participant in parliamentary debates, ranking 20th overall among all MPs with 534 contributions across 329 debates, with particular focus on Foreign Affairs & Defence, Trade & Industry, and Justice & Law. However, his voting participation is substantially lower, with a 36.35% participation rate across 575 eligible divisions, ranking 566th overall and 103rd among Conservative MPs. There is a very large divergence between his strong debate ranking and weak voting ranking, though he holds no government post that would explain this pattern.

Summary generated on 21/07/2026 (View details)