Andrew Jones has been MP for the Harrogate & Knaresborough constituency since May 2010. He is Yorkshire born and Yorkshire bred and has lived in the centre of Harrogate for many years. He is originally from Ilkley and was educated locally at Bradford Grammar School and Leeds University. Before being elected as MP, Andrew had a 25 year business career, working in sales and marketing. His career started with Kingfisher, working for two of their companies B&Q and Superdrug, before joining Going Places and M&C Saatchi. More recently he worked for Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.
 
A passionate cricket fan, Andrew has been a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club for over 20 years, and has travelled to several countries following England’s overseas test matches. He also enjoys playing squash, walking, theatre and music.
 
Andrew joined the Conservative Party in 1987. From May 2003 to May 2011 he was a local councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, representing the High Harrogate ward where he lives. Until May 2010 he was Cabinet Member for Resources, and has delivered a borough council tax freeze in 2010, brought efficiencies and value for money to the council allowing funds to be channelled into local environmental initiatives.
 
Involved in policy development, he was a member of the Public Services Improvement Group, developing social housing policies for David Cameron. He has previously run national think tank, the Bow Group.
 
He has been the Harrogate District Fairtrade Champion, working to promote Fairtrade, resulting in June 2006 with the Fairtrade Foundation granting Harrogate District the status of Fairtrade Borough. He is a campaigner on local environmental issues, promoting renewable energy and recycling.