Mark Oaten

Mark Oaten was Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Winchester for 13 years and at one time considered favourite for party leadership. He is a recognised leading expert on the subject of Coalition governments- his book Coalitions was first published in 2007.

Oaten now lectures and advises a wide range of clients on the practical workings of successful coalitions.

He is currently a member of the Council of Europe representing the UK. He is a Board member of the British Healthcare Trade Association, Alcohol Concern, Mental Health Matters, the prison charity Unlock, the Council for Administration and a Director of the Charity Finance Directors Group.

Mark lectures at Wroxton College in Oxford and provides regular commentary and reviews for Sky and BBC Television.

In February 2010, Mark took part in a four-part series with Channel 4 called Tower Block of Commons in which four MPs lived with council tenants on different estates in England.

During his time in parliament he was Chairman of the Liberal Democrats, Shadow Home Secretary, and a member of the Business Select Committee.