

Last Updated: 19 Aug, 2026 | Views: 6
Age: 69
Profession: Politician
Higher Education: Newcastle University
About (Profile/Biography):
Sir Robert Goodwill is a British Conservative politician and farmer who represented Scarborough and Whitby in Parliament from 2005 to 2024. Born on 31 December 1956 in Terrington, Yorkshire, he developed a strong connection with farming through his family background and later became involved in agricultural business. Before entering Westminster, Robert served as a Member of the European Parliament for Yorkshire and the Humber from 1999 to 2004. He became MP for Scarborough and Whitby in 2005 and held several ministerial positions, including Transport Minister, Immigration Minister, and Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. His parliamentary interests have included farming, transport, fisheries, rural communities, and animal health. He was knighted in 2024.
Early Life And Education of Robert Goodwill
• Robert grew up with strong agricultural connections in North Yorkshire, later becoming a farmer and developing practical knowledge of rural businesses.
• He became involved in farming from an early stage, eventually managing Southwood Farm near Terrington in North Yorkshire.
• Goodwill's rural background later shaped his parliamentary interests, particularly agriculture, food production, fisheries, and countryside policy.
Farming And Professional Career of Robert Goodwill
• Robert has farmed since 1979 and has managed land that has remained connected with his family for generations in North Yorkshire.
• He also became managing director of Mowthorpe, a company operating a green and woodland cemetery on former farmland.
• Goodwill's business interests gave him practical experience in farming, land management, rural enterprise, and environmental matters.
Political Career of Robert Goodwill
• Robert first contested parliamentary elections before winning Scarborough and Whitby in 2005, ending Labour's hold on the constituency.
• He was re-elected in 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019, remaining the area's Conservative MP until the 2024 election.
• Goodwill previously spent several years in the European Parliament, giving him experience of European agricultural and political institutions.
Major Controversies Around Robert Goodwill
• Robert attracted criticism during his time as Immigration Minister over the government's handling of immigration targets and migration policy.
• His farming and business interests have occasionally required declarations of financial interests, including land, property, and company connections.
• Goodwill's support for Brexit and its implications for farming and fisheries also generated debate among agricultural and coastal communities.
Awards And Recognitions Received by Robert Goodwill
• Robert was knighted in the 2024 New Year Honours for political and public service after a lengthy parliamentary career.
• His ministerial career included senior responsibilities across transport, immigration, agriculture, fisheries, and food policy.
• Goodwill's agricultural expertise has also been recognised through his continued involvement in farming and rural policy discussions.
Lesser Known Facts About Robert Goodwill
• Robert's family has farmed land near Malton since the nineteenth century, giving him unusually deep roots in Yorkshire agriculture.
• He once highlighted how Goathland in his constituency became the fictional Aidensfield in the television series Heartbeat.
• Goodwill has spoken in Parliament about the Sirius Minerals project near Whitby and its potential to create major regional employment.
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