Marco Longhi: The Journey of a Bold Politician with a Divisive Legacy

Introduction

Marco Andrea Longhi is a well-known British politician who served as a Former Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom representing Dudley North. Born on April 22, 1967, in Walsall, Staffordshire, England, Marco Longhi rose from humble beginnings to become a key political figure known for his strong opinions and independent thinking. His story reflects both determination and controversy, blending a career of public service with moments of intense debate and transformation.

Throughout his career, Longhi has been recognized for his passionate defense of his political beliefs, his contributions to local governance, and his later shift in allegiance to a different political movement. This article provides a complete, verified account of his life, focusing on facts that define his influence and legacy.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Marco Longhi was born into a family that valued both British and Italian traditions. His father, Antonio Longhi, was Italian and worked in the airline industry, while his mother, Josephine Clarke, was British. This multicultural background exposed him to diverse cultures, shaping his identity and worldview from an early age.

During his childhood, Longhi spent several years in Rome, where he absorbed aspects of Italian culture before returning to the United Kingdom. His grandfather, Wilfred Clarke, had been Mayor of Walsall in 1978, indicating a family legacy of public service that would later inspire Marco’s political career.

Academic Path

Longhi pursued higher education at the University of Manchester, where he studied engineering. His academic background provided him with analytical and technical skills that became valuable in his early professional life. After university, he briefly trained as a pilot, reflecting his diverse interests and ambition before entering the professional world.

Professional Beginnings

Engineering and International Experience

Before entering politics, Marco Longhi built a solid professional foundation. He worked in the oil and gas industry, spending about five years in South America. This experience gave him exposure to international business operations and leadership in complex environments. His engineering education and managerial background allowed him to navigate industries that required precision, risk management, and strategic planning.

Business Ventures

Upon returning to the UK, Longhi became involved in the property and letting business. He served as a director at Justmove (Lettings) Ltd, managing housing and rental operations in Walsall. His business activities highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and his understanding of economic realities, especially regarding housing and property development.

Political Career

Entry into Politics

Longhi’s political career began in 1999 when he was elected as a Conservative councillor on the Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. His early involvement in local governance demonstrated his commitment to community service and improving his hometown.

Mayor of Walsall

He served as Mayor of Walsall twice, in 2017 and 2018. During his tenure, he focused on civic pride and local development. However, his second term became notable because he used his casting vote to secure Conservative control of the council — a rare and bold move that sparked political debate but also underscored his decisiveness.

Member of Parliament

In December 2019, Marco Longhi was elected as Member of Parliament for Dudley North, representing the Conservative Party. His victory was significant because Dudley North had traditionally been a Labour stronghold. His election marked a pivotal shift during the 2019 General Election when many “Red Wall” seats turned Conservative.

While serving in Parliament, Longhi became known for his outspoken views, particularly on immigration, housing policy, and national identity. He also served on several parliamentary committees, including the European Scrutiny Committee and the Environmental Audit Committee.

In August 2021, he was appointed as UK Trade Envoy to Brazil, strengthening international trade relations and promoting British business interests abroad.

Political Shift and Reform UK

In January 2025, Marco Longhi made a bold political decision by defecting from the Conservative Party to Reform UK. He stated that the Conservative Party had lost its way and that he could no longer “live that lie.” His defection was widely reported as part of a broader realignment in British politics, where several figures expressed disillusionment with traditional party structures.

This move was both celebrated and criticised — celebrated by supporters who viewed him as principled and fearless, and criticised by opponents who saw it as opportunistic. Nevertheless, it showcased Longhi’s willingness to stand by his convictions, even at the cost of political stability.

Controversies and Criticisms

Marco Longhi’s career was not without controversy. In 2024, his campaign tactics were criticised as “dog-whistle politics,” sparking debate over his communication strategy. Additionally, his opposition to tenancy reforms while being a landlord drew scrutiny from the media and political rivals.

Despite these issues, Longhi maintained his belief that his actions were in the best interest of his constituents, focusing on practical governance rather than populism. His outspoken nature made him both respected and polarising — a reflection of the modern political landscape in the United Kingdom.

Legacy and Impact

Marco Longhi’s political journey embodies both ambition and resilience. As a Former Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, he played a vital role in shaping discussions about housing, immigration, and British identity. His leadership in Walsall and Dudley North demonstrated his dedication to representing local voices on a national stage.

Longhi’s defection to Reform UK reflects the evolving nature of UK politics, where individual conviction can redefine party loyalty. Whether admired or criticised, his career continues to represent the complexity of political identity in modern Britain.

Conclusion

Marco Longhi’s life story is a testament to determination, courage, and controversy. From his early days in Walsall to his rise as a Former Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, his path was shaped by both success and scrutiny. His decisions, particularly his move to Reform UK, illustrate a man unwilling to compromise his beliefs.

He remains a significant figure in contemporary British politics — one who has left an undeniable mark on his constituency and beyond. Marco Longhi’s journey highlights the power of conviction and the challenges of leadership in a world where political landscapes are constantly shifting.

FAQs

1. Who is Marco Longhi?
Marco Andrea Longhi is a British politician and Former Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom who represented Dudley North from 2019 to 2024.

2. What is Marco Longhi’s nationality?
He is British, with mixed British and Italian heritage.

3. What political party does Marco Longhi belong to now?
As of 2025, Marco Longhi is affiliated with Reform UK.

4. What is Marco Longhi known for?
He is known for serving as MP for Dudley North, acting as Trade Envoy to Brazil, and his strong stance on political and social issues.

5. Why did Marco Longhi leave the Conservative Party?
He stated that the Conservative Party had lost direction and joined Reform UK to align with his political beliefs.

6. What was Marco Longhi’s profession before politics?
He worked in engineering, the oil and gas industry, and property management.

7. What is Marco Longhi’s legacy?
Marco Longhi’s legacy lies in his bold political decisions, his representation of working-class communities, and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

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