Parliamentary Career
Michael Mates was first elected to Parliament in October 1974 general election for Petersfield in Hampshire, following the retirement of Joan Quennell.
Between 1983 and 2010 he represented East Hampshire.
From 1992 to 1993, Mates was Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office. He resigned after a scandal involving his links to fugitive businessman Asil Nadir.
He also served as the Chairman of the Defence (1987–1992) and Northern Ireland (2001–2005) select committees and chaired the All-Party Anglo-Irish Parliamentary Group. He has been a member of the Privy Council since February 2004.
Mates announced on 24 November 2006 that he would stand down effective at the 2010 general election. His replacement as Conservative Party candidate was Damian Hinds.
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“Like the old soldier of the ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Goodbye.”
—Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964)