Malcolm Bruce was born in 1944, he joined the Liberal party at the age of 17 and has been Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Gordon for the past 14 years.

After graduating with honours in Economics and Political Science from the University of St. Andrews he has worked in a range of fields namely jounalism, publishing, commerce and local government.

Malcolm Bruce first stood for election in 1974 for the constituency of North Angus and Mearns, and five years later in West Aberdeenshire before being elected in 1983 as MP for Gordon.

As an MP he has experience in both local and national issues holding numerous political posts including Spokesman on Scottish Affairs, Energy, Employment, Trade and Industry and Natural Resources. He has also been a member of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee and a member of the Trade and Industry Committee.

From 1988 to 1992 he was the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and since 1994 has been the Party's Treasury Spokesman and a member of the Treasury Select Committee.

Between 1984 and 1987 he was the Rector of Dundee University. In 1995 he was awarded a MSc in Marketing by the University of Strathclyde and was called to the Bar as a member of Gray's Inn with a special interest in company law and European competition law.

Malcolm Bruce is divorced and has one son and a daughter. His interest outside politics include the theatre, music and walking.

More information about The Liberal Democrat Party is available at the party's web site.