David Richard Bull (born 9 May 1969) is an English television presenter, politician, and former medical doctor. He served as Reform UK's Deputy Leader from 2021 to 2023 and as Co-Deputy Leader, alongside Ben Habib, from 2023 to 2024.[1] He was previously a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for North West England from 2019 to 2020.
Bull had his licence to practise temporarily restored in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (his licence to practise had previously ceased in 2009 and 2017).[4] He is currently not licensed to practice medicine in the UK.
Media career
In 1995, Bull auditioned to be a guest commentator for The Sky Travel Guide on Sky Travel. Of the auditioning process Bull recalled, "I had to read autocue, I had to interview someone, and I had to handle a live show...you can't beat that sort of experience." Bull was awarded the position on Sky Travel, giving advice for the holiday health feature to those travelling abroad, and beginning his career as a television commentator and presenter.[5]
Bull joined the long-running children's news programme Newsround as a presenter and producer of segments regarding children's health. Whilst on Newsround, Bull became a regular on Saturday morning shows for CBBC including The Weather Show, Saturday Aardvark, K Club and Bitesize Debate specials. He also hosted, in his role as a doctor, Why Me? and Call the Doctor. Bull then became the sole presenter of Tell Me About It! for New Zealand's C4 TV station. Aimed at young people, the five-instalment programme tackled issues including eating disorders, parental divorces and teen drug use and alcoholism.
In 1998, Bull published his first book, Cool and Celibate?: Sex and No Sex, arguing the benefits of abstinence in teenagers. Bull followed this with What Every Girl Should Know: An A to Z of Health-From Allergies to Zits! in 1999.[6]
Bull joined the BBC's Watchdog in 1999. While on Watchdog, he also appeared on Holiday, Let's Get Healthy, The Really Useful Show, Daily Live and This Morning. He then hosted Watchdog Healthcheck, a weekly, half-hour health programme running from 2001 to 2002.
Bull made his American television debut in 2010 as a contributor on the daytime talk show The Rachael Ray Show. In 2012, Bull started hosting for Food Network's series Sugar Dome which is broadcast in the US, Canada, Asia and the UK.[7] He has also co-presented Coast vs Country on Channel 4.
In 2019, after he and a number of Brexit Party MEPs appeared on The Richie Allen Show, the anti-racist advocacy group Hope not Hate reported on the far-right and antisemitic contents of the show.[8]
In 2022, Bull joined TalkTV as the co-host of its Weekend Breakfast Show.[9]
Political career
In December 2006, Bull was selected to fight the parliamentary seat of Brighton Pavilion at the 2010 general election for the Conservative Party, after being placed on the party's A-List earlier that year. He withdrew his candidacy in June 2009 and was replaced by Charlotte Vere.[10] Denying rumours that he quit after falling out with party leadership, Bull cited the increased workload accompanying his recent appointment to head up a Conservative policy review on sexual health with Shadow Health Minister Anne Milton.[11][12]
In 2000, Bull founded a creative branding company, Incredibull.[20] He sold his interest in the business in 2017.
Bull is a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the British Red Cross, Cancer Research and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and has worked with young people in schools on behalf of the organisation.[21][failed verification]
Personal life
Bull is gay. In 2007 he appeared at the Brighton Pride Parade for which he designed and wore a t-shirt with the slogan "I've come out... I'm a Tory", saying it was acceptable to be gay and a Conservative.[11]
