Leo Docherty was first elected Member of Parliament for Aldershot, Farnborough and Blackwater on 8th June 2017. He currently serves as Minister for Defence People and Veterans.
Leo is married to Lucy and has two young children.
After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Leo completed operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His former regiment - 1st Battalion Scots Guards - is based in Mons Barracks, Aldershot as part of 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade. Leo wrote about his experiences in the Army in "Desert of Death", published by Faber in 2007.
Upon leaving the British Army, he travelled from Turkey to Afghanistan by horseback, bicycle and on foot - a journey which lasted six months and culminated in playing the traditional Afghan game of Buzkashi in the mountains of the Hindu Kush. Leo's interest in the Middle East led him to come become Director of the Conservative Middle East Council in 2010. In this role he travelled extensively across the region, but this time not on horseback!
It was his time in the British Army that made him realise the importance of politics and of getting involved in the community. Leo was previously a local councillor for four years, and fought a tough Labour-held seat at the 2015 General Election.
Leo said: "I am a Conservative because I believes in enterprise, self-reliance and hard work. I believe in a strong national defence, the sound management of our economy, and in public service and helping others. I am a patriot and believe the duty of politicians is to safeguard our sovereignty.
I was delighted, and hugely honoured, to be elected to serve the constituents of Aldershot, Farnborough, Blackwater and Hawley as their Member of Parliament in 2017 - and furthermore to be re-elected in 2019 with an increase majority.
I am also humbled to have served as Minister for Defence People and Veterans since April 2021."
If you would like to raise an issue, please get in touch through his website.