He served as a Conservative MP, representing the City of Chester, from 1992 to 1997. He also served as a junior minister in John Major's government. Outside politics, he is known for his appearances on Countdown and TV AM. He has also presented programmes on London's LBC radio at various times since 1973.

He is also the creator of a stage show called Zipp! which enjoyed success at the Edinburgh Festival and had a short run in London's West End.