While my formal biography on the national website will give you some idea of my political career, this section will hopefully give you a better idea of what I actually 'do' at work and in my spare time. One of my first 'political' memories is from when I was just a toddler - carrying a placard in support of a campaign for a footbridge across Tregolls Road in Truro, to my old school, St. Paul's. The school is now called Archbishop Benson and is at a new site. The old school is now a nursing home, so I may end up back there! We didn't get a bridge, but we did get a pedestrian crossing. That set the precedent for many similar experiences in my life. Later, I won a scholarship to Oxford University to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and ended up as the President of the Student Union. This experience, together with my degree subject, helped me to get a job as Economic Policy Researcher for the Liberal Party, working with David Penhaligon, the Liberal Economics Spokesperson. It was incredibly exciting to work in the Commons for a Cornish MP and to play a part in shaping policy. Even then, it was a genuinely satisfying experience to see your work actually make a difference to people's lives. Tragically, David was killed on his way to St Austell Post Office, just before Christmas 1986. It was a terribly sad time for all of us who knew David - who I am sure could have been leader of the Party. It was daunting when the Constituency Association asked me to stand as the Liberal Candidate in the by-election, and I was very moved by the strong support all David's family gave me. It was a privilege and a challenge when people in the constituency elected me as their MP. It was a huge responsibility to take on - not only because I was only 24, but because David had commanded such support and respect. I knew I wouldn't be another David - but I could work hard and be a first-class MP as he had been. I set to it 7 days a week and on average about 80 hours a week! When I first became MP for Truro and St Austell, my parents helped me find my cottage in the Clay District near St Dennis because I didn't have time to look! It is a great place to relax and to escape from the chaos of London. It's also close to my St Austell office - although a typical day in Cornwall is spent driving hundreds of miles in a weekend just to keep my constituency appointments. I spend about half my time in Cornwall - generally about 3 days a week, but full-time when Parliament isn't sitting. You're probably most likely to see me at weekends - I come down to meet with constituents, deal with my correspondence and catch up on local issues, before taking the long train trip back to London on a Sunday. The other time when you are most likely to meet me is on my annual travelling surgery, when I drive all over the constituency towing a bright black and yellow caravan! This helps me meet people who may find it difficult to get to Truro or St Austell for normal surgeries, and it also makes sure I keep in touch with the more remote villages in my constituency at least once every year. It also means I have a pretty good idea of where to get the nicest pub lunches!! The rest of my time is spent in London. When Parliament is sitting, virtually every waking moment can be spent at work. I get in at about 9am and there will quite regularly be votes after 10pm, or even all night if the issue is really controversial. So the Houses of Parliament feel like an extension of home.  I can't always succeed in my campaigns and casework, but I can assure you that I'll do my very best. Surprisingly often, it really does make a difference, even if you don't always get everything you want. When I'm not working, you can guarantee that I'll be spending time with my partner, Vicky, and our young sons Arthur and Jacob, who between them are certainly keeping me and their mum busy! As you may already know earlier this year Arthur was diagnosed as having a tumour at the base of his spine. Casework is taking place as usual, under my guidance, but I may not always be able to make it down for my advice surgeries. Instead these will be handled by members of my team who will then pass their notes on to me. I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent us their well wishes, it has really meant so much to my and Vicky. So far Arthur is responding well to treatment. He has been incredibly brave and enchanted all of the doctors and nurses at Great Ormond Street but there's still a long way to go. Arthur's illness has reaffirmed my decision not to stand again at the next election. I want to be based with my sons, to be the best dad that I can be. For now my family can travel up to London with me every week, but once the boys are in school it won't be so easy.After twenty years as the MP for Truro & St Austell it hasn't been an easy decision, but I know that it's the right one. Until the next election, however, there's still a lot to be done, so it's back to work we go... Get in touch How can I help you? More >>> Come along to one of my surgeries   More >>> Contact me online    More >>> Front page Published by Matthew Taylor MP, 10 South Street, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 5BH Printed and hosted by Office Network Systems, 106a Tolworth Broadway, Surbiton, KT6 7JD.