Steven Woolfe

Steven Woolfe MEP
UKIP Economics Spokesman
In office 22 February 2014 – 24 July 2014
Preceded by	Tim Congdon
Succeeded by	Patrick O'Flynn
Member of the European Parliament for North West England
Incumbent
Assumed office 1 July 2014
Preceded by	Robert Atkins
Personal details
Born	(1967-10-06) 6 October 1967 Moss Side, Manchester
Nationality	United Kingdom
Political party	UK Independence Party
Alma mater	Aberystwyth University; City Law School
Religion	Christian (RC)[1]

Steven Marcus Woolfe (born 6 October 1967) is a British barrister and politician, who has served as a Member of the European Parliament for the North West England region since being elected at the 2014.^[2] He contested Stockport as the UK Independence Party candidate at the 2015 general election.

Early life

Woolfe, the eldest of a family of four, was born in Moss Side, in Manchester, and grew up in Burnage.^[3] His half-brother is Nathan Woolfe, the former Bolton Wanderers football player and current Stockport County striker.^[4]

Woolfe was educated at St Bernard's Roman Catholic Primary School, a voluntary-aided state-maintained school in Burnage, followed by the independent St Bede's College in Whalley Range, where he won a scholarship. He studied law at Aberystwyth University graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1990. He pursued further studies at the Inns of Court School of Law in London, before being called to the Bar.^[3]

Legal career

Woolfe began his career at chambers in the Inner Temple, practising as a Criminal Law barrister in the City of London. He then spent several years as general counsel for hedge fund managers. He now also acts as a legal and regulatory consultant to financial institutions.^[3]

Political career

Woolfe was introduced to UKIP by Lord Pearson of Rannoch and made his debut speech at UKIP's 2010 annual conference in Torquay.

After Nigel Farage declared his intention to stand in the 2010 UKIP leadership election, he appointed Woolfe to his team of senior spokespeople, becoming UKIP Economics spokesman.

In 2011, Woolfe was elected to UKIP's National Executive Committee, coming second behind Neil Hamilton who topped the poll.

On 8 May 2014, Woolfe chaired a UKIP public meeting in Westminster promoting UKIP's Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) candidates;^[5] his responsibilities include being UKIP Spokesman for migration policy.^[6] Woolfe has called for a fair and ethical stance towards migration, stressing that migration should be based on merit, not on race, religion, colour or creed.^[7]

From July 2014 until May 2015, Woolfe's Economics brief has been shared with Patrick O'Flynn. O'Flynn was responsible for macro policy and taxation, while Woolfe remained UKIP's Financial Affairs and City of London spokesman. Woolfe advocates a simplified and lower tax regime for all, believing that the middle classes have been squeezed with the 40% tax band and has called for the 45% tax band to be abolished and replaced with a higher threshold for 40% band at £45,000. He has also echoed calls made by UKIP Leader Nigel Farage to take those on minimum wage out of paying tax altogether.^[8]

Elections

Greater London Assembly Elections

Woolfe stood as a UKIP candidate for the City and East for the  Greater London Authority.^[9]

Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

In November 2012, Woolfe won UKIP's nomination to contest the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Woolfe's campaign message was one of tough on crime and the support of community policing. He finished last of the five candidates, polling 23256 votes (8.55%).^[10]

European Elections 2014

On 25 May 2014, Steven Woolfe was elected as MEP for the North West England being selected as number 3 on UKIP's regional party list.

2015 UK General Election

On 4 September 2014, Woolfe was chosen as UKIP's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Stockport.^[11] Woolfe came third with 13% of the vote.^[12]

See also

• Euroscepticism

References