James Cran

James Douglas Cran (born 28 January 1944) is a British former Conservative Party politician. He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Beverley (1987–1997) and for Beverley and Holderness (1997–2005). Early life He went to Ruthrieston School in Aberdeen and became the school's 1959 Dux Medallion winner. He studied at the University of Aberdeen, gaining an Honours MA. He was the National Winner of the 1968 Daily Mirror Speaking Trophy. He was a researcher in Conservative Research Department during 1970–71 and was a member of the Leader of the Opposition's (Edward Heath) Briefing Team during the 1970 General Election. From 1971 to 1979, he was the Secretary and Chief Executive of the National Association of Pension Funds. He was the CBI's Northern Director from 1979 to 1984 and the CBI's West Midlands Director from 1984 to 1987. From 1974 to 1979, he was a councillor in the London Borough of Sutton, and served as Chairman of the Health and Housing Committee. Parliamentary career Cran became MP for Beverley in 1987 taking over from Sir Patrick Wall. In 1997 he transferred to the constituency of Beverley and Holderness.