Biography
Foster was born in Preston, and educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar and Keele University. Prior to entering politics, Foster worked as a teacher, management consultant and lecturer. Foster became an MP in the 1992 UK General Election when he famously beat then-Conservative Party chairman Chris Patten.
In 1997, the Bath electorate returned him with an increased majority of over 9,000. In the House of Commons, Foster is currently the Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport and has previously been spokesperson on transport and local government, education and social justice.
As a local party activist he was a founder member of the Avon Liberal Democrats and an Avon County Councillor. He was the leader of the Party group on the Council and Chair of the county's education committee.
Don supports a number of local charities, including Ted's Big Day Out and Julian House. His main national charity is WaterAid.
Foster is married with two children: one daughter, one son. His other interests include Third World issues; he is a member of Amnesty International and the Child Poverty Action Group, and he enjoys sport, music, travelling and reading.