Michael Portillo, will be coming to Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre on Friday 11 January at 7.30pm, to talk about his life.

Michael Portillo will be at Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre on Friday 11 January to talk about his life.

In his show, Life: A Game of Two Halves, he will talk about his life as an MP for 11 years and his role as Minister for Transport.

He was a potential leader of the Conservative party and represented Enfield Southgate until a humiliating election defeat in 1997 brought his career to an abrupt end.

As the Tories were swept from power, “Were you still up for Portillo?” became a catch-phrase because his spectacular defeat by Stephen Twigg, a very young Labour candidate very few people had heard of, took place in the early hours.

As a railway fan, Michael believes his greatest political achievement was saving the Settle to Carlisle Railway.

He has shared his passion for railways as a television presenter, travelling Europe with Bradshaw’s Guide to railway stations.

He will take quesions from the audience.

7.30pm. Tickets, £17.50, students, £7 from www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or 01245 606505.