Edward has been Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich since May 2008.

Prior to entering Parliament Edward practised as a family law barrister in Cheshire courts, specialising in the cases of vulnerable children.

Edward is married to Julia and they have three children. His parents have fostered 87 children over the last 30 years, many of whom Edward grew up with. He has two adopted brothers.

At Westminster, Edward sat on the Children Schools and Families Select Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Until his Ministerial appointment he was also Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Groups on Adoption & Fostering and Looked After Children & Care Leavers, Vice Chairman for the Runaway & Missing Children group.