John Baron (politician)

John Charles Baron (born 21 June 1959) is a British Conservative politician and the Member of Parliament for Basildon and Billericay since 2001. Baron has in relative terms frequently rebelled against his party, specifically in his calling for a sooner referendum on the European Union and in opposing military intervention in Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Early life

Baron was born in Redhill, Surrey and educated at Queen's College, Taunton, Jesus College, Cambridge and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Career

Military service

After university, Baron was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers on 3 January 1984 as a second lieutenant (on probation). His commission was confirmed and he was promoted to lieutenant with seniority from 8 August 1984. He was promoted to captain on 8 February 1987. He served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Germany.

On 3 January 1988, he transferred to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. This signalled the end of his military career but he remained liable to call up. He resigned his commission on 1 June 1997.