"I live in the heart of the East of England. I am a former banker and businesswoman turned campaigner and local councillor. I want to get the best possible deal for the people and businesses of Eastern England." - Vicky Ford

Vicky was born and grew up in Northern Ireland. Her parents were both English doctors. As a child she joined her mother campaigning with the peace movement and her father stood in local elections in an area now dominated by Sinn Fein.

She attended primary school in Northern Ireland, but following her father's death she went to secondary school in England and then read Maths and Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge.

She subsequently worked as an investment banker from 1989 to 2003 before embarking on a career in politics.

Vicky stood as a Conservative Party candidate in the 2005 general election and, until recently, was the finance and resources portfolio holder on South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Vicky is married to Hugo, a consultant in cancer medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds. They have three children Elizabeth (11), Edward (10) and Anthony (8). At school, Vicky was an accomplished musician, playing the clarinet and piano with distinction. She still plays the clarinet and is now enjoying the challenge of learning the saxophone.

Away from politics, Vicky enjoys fishing, skiing, gardening and spending time with her family and her 2 dogs.