Jonathan Djanogly

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Jonathan Djanogly MP
Member of Parliament
for Huntingdon
Incumbent
Assumed office
7 June 2001
Preceded by John Major
Majority 10,819 (19.9%)
Personal details
Born 3 June 1965 (1965-06-03) (age 46)
Hammersmith, London, England
Nationality British
Political party Conservative
Spouse(s) Rebecca Jane Silk
Alma mater Oxford Polytechnic
Profession Solicitor
Website www.jonathandjanogly.com

Jonathan Simon Djanogly (born 3 June 1965) is a British politician, former practising solicitor[1] and Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon. Djanogly has been Trade and Industry Spokesman shadowing the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Shadow Solicitor General for England and Wales and is currently Parliamentary Under-secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Djanogly was born in London to a British Jewish family,[2] the son of millionaire textile manufacturer Sir Harry Djanogly.

[edit] Education

Djanogly was educated at University College School, an independent school for boys in Hampstead in North London, followed by Oxford Polytechnic in Oxford, where he was elected chairman of the Conservative Association in 1987, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts in law and politics in 1987. He took his law finals at the College of Law, Guildford, in 1988.

[edit] Professional career

He joined SJ Berwin, London, in 1988 as a trainee solicitor, was admitted as a solicitor in 1990, and served as corporate finance partner between 1998 and 2009.

[edit] Political career

Djanogly was elected as a councillor for Regents Park ward in the City of Westminster in 1994 and re-elected in 1998. He unsuccessfully contested the safe Labour parliamentary seat of Oxford East at the 1997 General Election where he was defeated by the sitting Labour MP Andrew Smith by 16,665 votes. Before the 2001 General Election he was selected as Conservative candidate for the very safe seat of Huntingdon, following the retirement of sitting MP and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir John Major. Djanogly resigned his council seat early in 2001 shortly before the general election campaign.

At the 2001 election Djanogly held the Huntingdon seat comfortably with a majority of 12,792 and has remained an MP since. He made his maiden speech on 2 July 2001.[3] Djanogly held the Huntingdon seat (with revised boundaries) again in 2005 and 2010 with majorities of 12,847 and 10,819 respectively.[4]

He served on the Trade and Industry Select Committee from 2001, was promoted to the frontbench by Michael Howard as an opposition spokesman on Home Affairs in 2004, and served as Shadow Solicitor General between May 2004 and May 2010. In 2005 Djanogly was also appointed a shadow Business Minister in the team shadowing the Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom) (now the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) where until the 2010 General Election he worked on corporate governance and business regulations.

In the 2009 United Kingdom Parliamentary expenses scandal[5] it has been alleged that Jonathan Djanogly improperly claimed expenses for a "cleaner" who was actually a childminder. In response Djanogly stated that the person in question was employed as a cleaner although “there would clearly have been times during evenings when she would have been there with a child alone, but this was not her job or what she was paid to do” and acknowledged that the person received no other payment for any services provided.[6] In May 2009, The Daily Telegraph disclosed that Mr Djanogly claimed almost £5,000 on his parliamentary expenses for the installation of gates at his large constituency home. The MP installed the gates following security fears, after he helped constituents threatened by animal rights activists.[7]

Djanology accepted responsibility for the role he played in the expenses scandal and repaid £25,000 later in 2009.[8]

In September 2010 it was revealed that Djanology had hired private detectives in 2009 to uncover the source of leaks to media about his parliamentary expenses.[9]

Following a complaint to the UK Information Commissoner's Office by John Mann MP in connection with Djanogly's hiring of private detectives to monitor his constituents covertly,[10] on 27 July 2011 the Information Commissioner said that he would not be investigating Mr Djanogly for breaches of the Data Protection Act.[11][12]

[edit] In Government

Following the formation of the Coalition Government Djanogly was named on 14 May 2010 as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. His Ministerial role includes a wide range of responsibilities such as the oversight of Legal Aid and Legal services, HM Courts Service, as well as the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Since May 2010 Djanogly has taken the lead on the reforms of Legal Aid, Civil Litigation funding and 'no win, no fee' legal schemes.

In June 2011 he was one of the Ministers that introduced the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill to Parliament. [13]

In September 2011 Djanogly announced the Government's intention to ban referral fees in personal injury claims,[14] saying that 'Honest motorists are seeing their premiums hiked up as insurance companies cover the increasing costs of more and more compensation claims. Many of the claims are spurious and only happen because the current system allows too many people to profit from minor accidents and incidents.' [15]

On 6 October 2011 Djanogly announced that his department would be launching Alternative Business Structures, enabling non-lawyers to invest in and own legal businesses for the first time.[16] Djanogly called it a 'landmark day for the UK legal industry' adding that 'Potential customers will find legal services become more accessible, more efficient and more competitive.' The move was welcomed by legal experts such as Eddie Goldsmith, chairman of The Conveyancing Association, who said that the move would 'transform the way legal services are delivered' .[17] It was further announced on 3 January 2012 that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) had also begun accepting applications from organisations wishing to take advantage of the new systems and become licensed to work as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS).[18] Jonathan Djanogly said 'The addition of the Solicitors Regulation Authority marks another major milestone for UK legal services and the future of Alternative Business Structures. Customers will find legal services more accessible, providing a much more competitive and efficient service.' [19]

On 18 October 2011, following an investigation by the Cabinet Secretary into alleged conflicts of interest[20] arising from proposed changes to the law, which Djanogly was championing,[21] Djanogly requested that the Claims Management Regulation Unit be overseen by a different Justice Minister,[22] to avoid any possible distraction from this important issue after it was suggested that he and his family[23] could personally profit.[24] Djanogly stated that neither he nor his Labour predecessor had ever had to make a decision in relation to the claims management unit, because decisions were delegated to officials, but it seemed prudent to head off any future allegation.[25]

In February 2012 Jonathan Djanogly unveiled proposals for a major legal overhaul of the bailiff industry to clamp down on bad practices. The proposals included a new regulatory body to oversee the industry, a new complaints process for debtors and clear fees so that people know what bailiffs can charge.[26] Jonathan Djanogly said 'Too many people have experienced intrusive, expensive and stressful bailiff action and more often than not the public do not hold bailiffs in high regard, despite the fact most bailiffs carry out their work professionally. We want to restore balance to the system, improve clarity for both debtors and creditors, strengthen protection for vulnerable people and ensure that individuals, business and Government are able to collect the debts they are owed – but in a way that is fair and regulated by law.' [27] Many firms have welcomed the attempt to deal with rogue practices and say the suggestion of a regulatory body with a clear complaints process will help build the reputation of the industry.

[edit] Personal life

A member of the New London Synagogue,[10], Djanogly has been married to Rebecca Jane Silk since 1991 and has two children, a son and a daughter.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Djanogly, Jonathan (17 January 2005). "Constitutional Reform Bill". Jonathan Djanogly. http://www.jonathandjanogly.com/content/constitutional-reform-bill. Retrieved 24 October 2011. "I declare my interest as a practising solicitor." 
  2. ^ Jessica Elgot. "New Jewish ministers and the Miliband rivalry". The Jewish Chronicle. http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/31823/new-jewish-ministers-and-miliband-rivalry. 
  3. ^ "House of Commons Hansard; vol 371, part 12, col 75". Hansard. Parliament of the United Kingdom. 2 July 2001. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo010702/debtext/10702-21.htm#10702-21_spnew0. Retrieved 29 October 2008. 
  4. ^ Election 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/c30.stm, retrieved 11 September 2011 
  5. ^ Tim Shipman; Andrew Levy (10 July 2009). "The Millionaire Tory, the au pair and £25,000 in repaid expenses: John Major condemns 'greedy' successor". Daily Mail (London, UK). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1198723/The-Millionaire-Tory-au-pair-25-000-repaid-expenses-John-Major-condemns-greedy-successor-Tory-anger-grows-huge-expenses-claim.html. Retrieved 26 July 2009. 
  6. ^ Holly Watt; Jon Swaine (8 July 2009). "MPs' expenses: the Tory MP, an au pair and his £13,000 on expenses". The Daily Telegraph (London, UK). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5781611/MPs-expenses-the-Tory-MP-an-au-pair-and-his-13000-on-expenses.html. Retrieved 7 September 2009. 
  7. ^ Holly Watt (22 May 2009). "MPs' expenses: Tory MP Jonathan Djanogly claimed almost £5,000 for automatic gates". The Daily Telegraph (London, UK). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5368993/MPs-expenses-Tory-MP-Jonathan-Djanogly-claimed-almost-5000-for-automatic-gates.html. Retrieved 3 September 2011. 
  8. ^ Wardrop, Murray (10 July 2009). "Jonathan Djanogly defends his expense claims to party supporters". Daily Telegraph (London: Telegraph Media Group Limited). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5791636/Jonathan-Djanogly-defends-his-expense-claims-to-party-supporters.html. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  9. ^ Batty, David (10 September 2010). "MP hired detectives to check on staff over leaks about expenses". Guardian (London: Guardian News and Media Limited). http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/sep/10/mp-detectives-leaks-expenses-jonathan-djanogly. Retrieved 10 September 2010. 
  10. ^ a b Jennifer Lipman (28 July 2011). "Justice Minister Djanogly accused of 'unethical' behaviour". The Jewish Chronicle (London, UK). http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/52317/justice-minister-djanogly-accused-unethical-behaviour. Retrieved 3 September 2011. "Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, admitted last year that he had paid detectives more than £5,000 to spy on local party members because he was concerned they were conspiring against him. He said later that he "over-reacted" but denied that he had done anything wrong." 
  11. ^ Watt, Holly (27 July 2011). "Minister Jonathan Djanogly faces investigation over 'blagging' by detectives". The Telegraph (London). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8666881/Minister-Jonathan-Djanogly-faces-investigation-over-blagging-by-detectives.html. Retrieved 3 September 2011. "'We have today written to John Mann MP to confirm that his complaint will not be taken forward. The matters raised by Mr Mann do not appear to represent recorded personal information as covered by the Data Protection Act. A potential breach of section 55 – the Act’s ‘blagging’ offence – does not therefore arise,' said the Information Commissioner Christopher Graham." 
  12. ^ "Watchdog will not investigate minister over detectives". BBC News. 28 July 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14322685. 
  13. ^ "Jonathan Djanogly MP". London, UK: Ministry of Justice, © Crown copyright. 14 May 2010. http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/jonathan-djanogly.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010. "Jonathan Djanogly MP was appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice on 14 May 2010. ." 
  14. ^ "Injury claim referral fees to be banned". BBC (London). 9 September 2011. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14846666. Retrieved 11 September 2011. 
  15. ^ "Minister announces referral fee ban". London, UK: Ministry of Justice, © Crown copyright. 9 September 2011. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/features/feature-090911a.htm. Retrieved 11 September 2011. 
  16. ^ "New dawn in legal sector". London, UK: Ministry of Justice, © Crown copyright. 6 October 2011. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/press-releases/moj/moj-newsrelease061011a.htm. Retrieved 7 October 2011. 
  17. ^ Johnson, Wesley (6 October 2011). "'Landmark day' for legal industry". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/landmark-day-for-legal-industry-2366295.html. Retrieved 7 October 2011. 
  18. ^ "Regulator accepts alternative business structure applications". London, UK: Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. 3 January 2012. http://www.apil.org.uk/public-news.aspx?news-item-id=11. Retrieved 8 January 2012. 
  19. ^ "Djanogly: Reform to solicitors to give UK consumers greater choice". London, UK: Ministry of Justice, © Crown copyright. 3 January 2012. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/press-releases/moj/newsrelease030112a.htm. Retrieved 8 January 2012. 
  20. ^ [|Ramesh, Randeep] (17 October 2011). "Justice minister stripped of powers - Ken Clarke to take charge after Djanogly failed to declare family interest in claims management companies". The Guardian (London: Guardian Media Group). ISSN 0261-3077. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/oct/17/jonathan-djanogly-stripped-power-ambulance-chasers?INTCMP=SRCH. Retrieved 19 October 2011. "In a letter to Labour's justice spokesman, Andy Slaughter, who had raised the matter, O'Donnell said that while there is "no suggestion of any impropriety in relation" to Djanogly's brother-in-law's firms that "for the avoidance of doubt decisions about the regulation of individual (claims management companies) should henceforth be handled by another minister"." 
  21. ^ [|Insley, Jill] (28 June 2011). "Minister criticises referral fees on personal injury claims". The Guardian (London: Guardian Media Group). ISSN 0261-3077. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jun/28/minister-criticises-referral-fees-personal-injury-claims. Retrieved 24 October 2011. "In an interview on Radio 4's Today programme the minister said the referrals system gave people a "perverse incentive" to make unjustified claims. He said the government would be looking at several practices including referral fees, touting for business by text message, and garages selling lists of drivers involved in accidents, but added that these were the symptoms of a "rotten suing culture" rather than the cause." 
  22. ^ "Djanogly gives up claims management role". Hunts Post 24, a weekly free newspaper distributed in Huntingdon (Archant Regional Ltd). 19 October 2011. http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/djanogly_cleared_of_impropriety_but_gives_up_claims_management_role_1_1102691. Retrieved 24 October 2011. "There is no evidence that he acted in any way other than in the public interest." 
  23. ^ "Djanogly cleared in family shares row". The Daily Telegraph (London, UK). 18 October 2011. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8832900/Djanogly-cleared-in-family-shares-row-but-loses-claims-firms-role.html. Retrieved 24 October 2011. "Earlier this month, it was disclosed that Mr Djanogly’s two children each held shares in the claims management companies Going Legal and Legal Link Introductory Services, which solicit people who might have a compensation claim and then sell their details to lawyers. Mr Djanogly had admitted that his brother-in-law, Ben Silk, owned the companies, but had not disclosed his children’s shareholdings." 
  24. ^ McKee, Ruth (18 October 2011). "New conflict of interest controversy arises in government". politics.co.uk (London: SquareDigital, a trading name of Adfero Ltd). http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2011/10/18/new-conflict-of-interest-controversy-arises-i. Retrieved 19 October 2011. "Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly has been stripped of his powers after it emerged he created a loophole in the law which could have benefited his family's complex business interests." 
  25. ^ "Djanogly gives up claims management role". Hunts Post 24, a weekly free newspaper distributed in Huntingdon (Archant Regional Ltd). 19 October 2011. http://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/latest-news/djanogly_cleared_of_impropriety_but_gives_up_claims_management_role_1_1102691. Retrieved 3 January 2012. "There is no evidence that he acted in any way other than in the public interest." 
  26. ^ "Bailiff industry changes proposed by Ministry of Justice". London, UK: BBC.co.uk. 17 February 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17070550. Retrieved 25 February 2012. 
  27. ^ "Djanogly: Minister proposes legal regulation of bailiffs". London, UK: Ministry of Justice, © Crown copyright. 17 February 2012. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/features/feature170212a.htm. Retrieved 25 February 2012. 

[edit] External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
John Major		 Member of Parliament for Huntingdon
2001–present		 Incumbent
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