Lord Naseby, formerly Michael Morris MP, was first elected to Parliament in 1974 for Northampton South with a majority of just 179. He was Northampton’s first conservative MP for fifty years. He went on to represent his constituency for twenty-three years, rising to be deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chairman of Ways and Means. In recognition of his long parliamentary service at local, national and international levels, he was elevated to the House of Lords where he took the name of Lord Naseby in honour of the thousands who gave their lives in pursuit of political and religious freedom at the Battle of Naseby during the English Civil War. The village of Naseby is located adjacent to Michael’s former constituency.

Michael’s fascination with Oliver Cromwell began at an early age: from playground fights between Roundheads and Cavaliers to attendance at the Crusaders bible study classes. Later, he discovered a number of shared parallels in background and belief. Both men were informed by the physical landscapes of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, both educated at Cambridge and both inspired by writers John Bunyan and John Milton, contemporaries of Cromwell. Above all, despite living and working more than three centuries apart, they share values of integrity, resolve and an unwavering commitment to principle supported by a deep knowledge of parliamentary procedure.