Ben and his wife Liza live just outside Lancaster in the north of the County. They have two young children. Ben has been the Member of Parliament since May 2005 winning the seat from Labour in the General Election.

After leaving school at eighteen, Ben did a short stint as an Austrian Ski Instructor before entering the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the Scots Guards at twenty. Ben saw operational service in Northern Ireland and Central America. During his military career he served in the posts of Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Operations Officer and as an Intelligence Officer in Northern Ireland. In 1991 he was Mentioned in Despatches.

Ben was elected to the Scottish Parliament to represent North East Scotland in May 1999. He became Shadow Health spokesman for the Conservatives and served on the Health Select Committee.

In 2003 Ben stood down and moved to Lancashire. He was selected as Conservative candidate to fight the marginal seat of Lancaster & Wyre. Until the General Election of 2005, Ben was employed by QinetiQ as their Overseas Director in the Security & Intelligence Division.

In December 2006, Ben was made a member of the Queens Bodyguard for Scotland, The Royal Archers.

Ben's interests are the NHS, Home Affairs and Foreign Policy. When time permits he enjoys Rugby, and Skiing and Horse Racing as well as spending time with his family in Lancashire.