ANNEX A TO XCC(73)29
Biography:
Michael JOPLING, M.P. (Westmorland)
(Thomas) Michael Jopling was born in 1930.
He was educated at Cheltenham College, at King's College, Newcastle-upon-tyne, where he got a B.Sc. in Agriculture.
He is married and has two sons.
Mr Jopling is a farmer. He farma 500 acres. He worked on various farms when he was at University, between 1948 and 1954. He represented the County Branch on the Council of the N.F.U. 1962-65.
He is also a Partner of a Motor Trade Company.
He was a member of the Thirsk R.D.C., serving on the Public Health and Area Planning Committees, from 1958 to 1964.
Mr Jopling was Y.C. Chairman of the Thirsk and Malton Division Conservative Association for two years, Young Conservative President for three years, and Divisional Vice-Chairman for two years. He was a member of the Yorkshire Provincial Area, Political Education and Finance and General Purposes Committees, six years and four years respectively.
He has a specialised knowledge of Agriculture.
In July, 1958 he was adopted for Wakefield, and was unsuccessful in the General Election of 1959. In July 1963 he was adopted for Westmorland. He won the seat in the General Election of 1964 and has, held the seat ever since.
From 1966-70 he was Joint Secretary of the Conservative Parliamentary Agriculture Committee. From June 1970-November 1971 Mr.Jopling was Purliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
In November 1971, Mr. Jopling was appointed assistant Government Whip,