About Richard
Richard Bell is an Officer of the Cleveland & Durham Area of the Conservative Party, and is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Durham County Council.
He has held various unpaid positions in the Conservative Party, rising to become a Regional Deputy Chairman. He has campaigned in elections from Tynemouth to Teesside. He was Constituency Chairman in Bishop Auckland for three years until 2006. In the 2005 General Election he stood in Bishop Auckland, and was one of only three candidates in the area to increase his share of the vote.
Richard was born in Darlington, and educated at Barnard Castle and Newcastle. He has degrees in Chemistry and Law, studying law part time after he started work. He lives in Teesdale, County Durham
Brought up on a hill farm at 1500-2000 feet above sea level, one of his brothers is a farmer. His working life has given him experience of farming, tourism and the pharmaceutical industry. He is employed as a manager by GlaxoSmithKline.
He has published work in Local History. He has two sons, Anthony (10) and John (8).
Richard has spent many years serving the church in capacities ranging from Parochial Church Council Secretary to Vice- Chairman of the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance.
A major restoration project for the Millennium got him involved in Community Partnerships.
Richard has wide experience of public life as a school governor, district and county councillor, member of the Police Authority, Fire Authority and as a private sector member of a Local Strategic Partnership.
In his limited spare time, Richard enjoys country walks, family outings, socialising with friends and tries to keep his garden under control.
What Others Say..................
Simon Mort, President Conservative National Convention 2007-8, Chairman Candidates Committee 2005-6 : “Richard Bell is a highly competent and valuable member of the Party. He has experience in the chain of command and as a candidate which makes him a great asset. He will be a diligent candidate. His understanding of people will ensure that he is a most assiduous MP.”
Ian Galletley, Cleveland & Durham Area Chairman: “In my many years of being a General Election agent and area officer, there are very few candidates I have ever been able to recommend without reservation. Richard is one such man."
