Taylor, Matthew (1963– )

British Liberal Democrat politician, chair of the parliamentary party from 2003. He was the party's environment spokesperson 1994–99 and shadow chancellor 1999–2003. He was elected MP for Truro and St Austell in 1987. He was party education spokesperson 1990–92 (when he developed the ‘one penny on income tax for education’ policy), and chair of campaigns and communications 1992–94. In 1999 he chaired Charles Kennedy's successful campaign to become party leader.

Born in London, Taylor was brought up in Cornwall and studied politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University, where he was president of the students' union. He was only 24 when he became MP for Truro and St Austell, after the unexpected death in a car crash of David Penhaligon, for whom he had been a research assistant.