Trivia

He has a passion for steam trains.

Former British Conservative MP. He retired from politics in 2005 to pursue a career in the media.

First TV appearance was a commercial for Ribena fruit drink in 1961.

Although a conservative himself, Michael's father was a member of the left wing Spanish Republican governments in the 1930s, and became head of the London Diplomatic Office of the Government in Exile in 1972.

Father Luis Gabriel Portillo Pérez (18 March 1907-1993). Mother Cora (née Blyth) (1919-2014).

Educated, on a scholarship, at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, and graduated with a First Class BA in History.