Ian Liddell-Grainger
Business Management Consultant with Government and Parliamentary experience
Experienced business and political leader with over two decades of service as a Member of Parliament. Proven track record in governance, regulatory oversight, and strategic leadership within complex environments. Adept at fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving policy.
About
I was born in Scotland on February 23rd 1959 and christened Ian Richard and (of all things) Peregrine – in honour of the falcons that swooped and hunted near my childhood home. My parents sent me to Millfield School in Somerset, From there it was straight to work – first in farming (I learned to run a 250-acre arable farm), then in building and property.
Early Life and Career
- From an early career in property management to distinguished service with the military, Ian’s professional journey has been both diverse and impactful. In the 1980s, he ran a 250-acre farm in the Scottish Borders, balancing agricultural life with a growing interest in property development. This led him to the role of Managing Director at Grainger Newcastle Properties, where he managed a significant portfolio of properties across Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
- Ian also gained valuable experience in the construction sector while working with Stanley Miller plc, a building company focusing on medium-sized projects in the Tyne and Wear area. Alongside his civilian career, Ian demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. Commissioned into the 6th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, he attained the rank of Major in the Territorial Army, where he worked as a PA to Brigadier Professor Richard Holmes, CBE, TD. His military expertise extended into consulting roles with the Army Land Command HQ in Salisbury and the MOD in London, where he was responsible for military training land, including liaising with local communities, businesses, and authorities. As part of the MOD team, he played a key role in securing planning permission for the military training site at Otterburn.
- Ian has also shown a dedication to charitable causes, particularly in his involvement with Macmillan Cancer, further highlighting his deep-rooted commitment to community and service.
Political Career
Elected in 2001, Ian served as the Member of Parliament for Bridgwater and West Somerset across six terms, representing his constituency through boundary changes until standing in the 2024 General Election for the new Tiverton and Minehead constituency. During his 23 years in Parliament, he held significant roles, adding immense value through his contributions to various select committees, the common parliamentary assemblies, and local projects.
- Worked on major infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station and flood defence systems in Somerset.
- Appointed to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, playing a key role in drafting new governance codes and overseeing electoral monitoring.
- Chaired the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), leading strategic initiatives on diversity, inclusion, and sport, and keeping international operations running during the pandemic.
- Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and part of global dialogues on democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
- Chaired several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including Nuclear Energy, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Cider Industry, championing critical industries and legislative issues.
- Led important parliamentary groups on topics like tax reform, digital communications, and international trade.
Throughout his parliamentary career, Ian made significant contributions to both his constituency and international parliamentary diplomacy.
Key Achievements
- Instrumental in securing a £5 billion TATA battery factory at the old Royal Ordnance site
- Parliamentary liaison for the £25 billion Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station project
- Led negotiations to secure £119 million for flood prevention on the River Parrett
- Secured £50 million for flood defence on the Somerset Levels
- Played a key role in the decommissioning of Hinkley Point A Nuclear Power Station
- Helped establish the National Nuclear Skills Academy’s Southern Training Hub
- Brought Morrisons Supermarkets’ South West Distribution Hub to the area
- Secured £23 million for Bridgwater Town Deal, supporting 11 town enhancement projects
- Obtained funding for three new senior schools and two hospitals
- Successfully lobbied for the relocation of Mulberry’s luxury goods production to the constituency
- Assisted in securing funding for a £20 million Somerset Academy for Specialist Health & Social Care Training
- Collaborated to bring Müller’s new milk processing and distribution centre to the region
- Helped bring one of the largest livestock markets in the UK to the area
- Worked on the relocation of Refresco Gerbers in Bridgwater, ensuring continued partnership with Ocean Spray
