Michael Trend
Michael Trend | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 19, 1952 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, journalist |
| Years active | 1990–2005 |
| Known for | Member of Parliament for Windsor and Maidenhead (1992–1997), Windsor (1997–2005) |
Michael St John Trend, CBE (born 19 April 1952), is a British ex-Conservative politician and journalist who served as a Member of Parliament from 1992 until 2005, resigning in the wake of an expenses controversy.
Early life
The son of Burke Trend, a former Cabinet Secretary, he was educated at Westminster School and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Modern History from Oriel College, Oxford. Trend pursued journalism, contributing to The Times Literary Supplement, History Today, and The Spectator, before becoming chief leader writer at The Daily Telegraph between 1990 and 1992.
Parliamentary career
Trend was elected as MP for Windsor and Maidenhead during the 1992 General Election. Following the abolition of that seat, he represented the newly formed Windsor constituency from 1997 onwards. His parliamentary roles included serving as a frontbench spokesman and holding the positions of Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Conservative Party until 2000. Up until September 2005, he chaired the party's International Office, where he concentrated on promoting democratic development in regions such as the former Soviet Union and Africa.
Fraudulent expenses claim
In December 2002, Trend consented to repay £90,000 after incorrectly claiming it under allowances. By February 2003, he was found guilty of misusing the allowances system and was ordered to reimburse £90,277. He faced a brief suspension from Parliament and chose not to contest the 2005 election. Trend maintained that he believed London qualified as his 'home' for allowance purposes, despite Windsor being his principal residence; however, this defense was dismissed. The Standards Committee determined that he had negligently violated the Code of Conduct by improperly utilizing the Additional Costs Allowance and failing to comply with its regulations.
Personal life
An accomplished writer on musical subjects, Trend has been married to Jill Kershaw since February 1987 in Westminster. The couple has one son and two daughters. Additionally, he served for many years as an organist at his local church.