Don Foster served as Liberal Democrat MP for Bath from 1992 to 2015, famously defeating Conservative Party Chairman Chris Patten, before being appointed to the House of Lords.

A former teacher and education lecturer, he held education and later government roles, including Communities and Local Government Minister and Liberal Democrat Chief Whip during the coalition government. 

Born in Preston in 1947 and educated at Keele University and the University of Bath, he has long been active in local government, education and charitable causes, and is married with two children.