David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

Bio

David Davis was a member of the Territorial Army’s 21 SAS Regiment before attending the University of Warwick, graduating in 1971. After obtaining his master’s degree from London Business School, Davis attended Harvard’s Advanced Management Program.

Prior to his political career Davis worked at Tate & Lyle for 17 years, rising to become a senior executive.

Davis entered Parliament in 1987 and still holds the position of MP for Haltemprice and Howden. Davis held the positions of Science Minister 1993-4 and then Minister of State for Europe between 1994-97, before becoming Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in 1997.

He was Chairman of the Conservative party between 2001-2002 and then served in various roles in the Shadow Cabinet.

In 2016 he was appointed as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.

Why does he top the power list?

As Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Davis plays a crucial role in spearheading Brexit negotiations.

Davis has endured a difficult year – contending with fitful Brexit talks while attempting to present a cohesive negotiation position, something that does not seem to exist even within his party.

In the year ahead Davis has his work cut out for him as he attempts to finalise draft agreements before the UK’s official departure from the EU in March 2019. While progress has been made in the initial phase of Brexit negotiation – looking at citizen’s rights, the divorce bill and the Irish border –Davis will now advance to crucial trade negotiations and establishing the future relationship between the UK and EU.

Department for Exiting the European Union

The department is responsible for overseeing negotiations to leave the European Union and establishing the future relationship between the UK and EU.