Michael Stahel Farmer, better known as Baron Farmer, is a name that carries weight both in the world of finance and in British politics. Born in 1944, he rose from a childhood marked by hardship to become one of the most successful metal traders in the world. Popularly nicknamed “Mr Copper”, he earned this title because of his dominance in the copper trading industry, where he built a fortune and reputation that few could match.
Farmer is not only a businessman but also a politician and philanthropist. He has served as a Life Peer in the House of Lords since 2014, where he has been a strong voice on issues related to family, social mobility, and prison reforms. His life reflects a rare combination of financial success and social commitment.
Michael Farmer, Baron Farmer Age, Spouse, Career, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Stahel Farmer |
| Title | Baron Farmer of Bishopsgate |
| Nickname | “Mr Copper” |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1944 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 81 years |
| Birthplace | Tonbridge, Kent, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Wantage Grammar School, Oxfordshire |
| Father | Deceased (struggled with alcoholism) |
| Mother | Struggled with alcoholism |
| Siblings | Suzan Farmer (actress, died 2017) |
| Religion | Born-again Christian (converted at age 35) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Jennifer Potts (married in 1975) |
| Children | Three, including George Farmer |
| Son-in-law / Daughter-in-law | Candace Owens (married to George Farmer) |
| Profession | Businessman, Politician, Philanthropist |
| First Job | AJ Strauss, London Metal Exchange (£8 per week) |
| Career Highlights | Managing Director of Cerro Metals Ltd (1974–1983); Head of Global Base Metal Trading at Anglo Chemical/Phibro (1983–1989); Founder of Metal & Commodity Company Ltd (1989, sold to Enron in 2000 for $448 million); Co-founder of Red Kite Group (2005) |
| Political Career | Joined Conservative Party in 2011; Co-Treasurer (2011–2015); Life Peer since 2014 |
| Major Contributions | Farmer Reviews (2017, 2019) on prison reforms and family ties |
| Philanthropy | Sponsor of Ark All Saints Academy, Camberwell; Co-founder of Family Hubs Network (2019) |
| Brexit Role | Donated £300,000 to Vote Leave campaign (2016) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £150 million (2022); $10.1 million (2025 reports) |
| Lifestyle | Known for cycling to the House of Lords; preacher at St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate |
| Wikipedia | @Michael_Farmer,_Baron_Farmer |
Early Life and Background
Michael Farmer was born on 17 December 1944 in Tonbridge, Kent, England. His early years were far from easy. His father struggled with alcoholism and passed away when Michael was still young. His mother also battled alcohol addiction, which left the family in financial and emotional distress.
Despite these challenges, Farmer showed resilience. He studied at Wantage Grammar School in Oxfordshire, where he developed a strong interest in learning and discipline. His sister, Suzan Farmer, later became a well-known actress, appearing in films and television during the 1960s and 1970s. His mother tragically died in 2017.
Family and Personal Life
Michael Farmer married Jennifer Potts in 1975, and together they built a family rooted in faith and values. The couple has three children. Among them, George Farmer is perhaps the most recognized, having served as the CEO of Parler, a social media platform. George is married to Candace Owens, an American political commentator known for her outspoken views.
At the age of 35, he experienced a spiritual transformation and became a born-again Christian. This change deeply influenced his worldview, guiding his decisions in both business and politics. He is known to be a regular preacher at St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate, where he shares his experiences and beliefs.
Entry into the Metals Industry
Michael Farmer’s career began in a modest way. His first job was at AJ Strauss, a company connected to the London Metal Exchange, where he earned just £8 per week. It was here that he met Manfred Kopelman, a respected metal trader who became his mentor.
By 1974, Farmer had risen to become the Managing Director of Cerro Metals Ltd, a position he held until 1983. His sharp business sense and ability to predict market trends helped him establish a reputation as a skilled trader.
Career Milestones in Business
Michael Farmer’s rise in the metals industry was not just about luck; it was built on years of hard work and sharp decision-making. After serving as Managing Director of Cerro Metals Ltd until 1983, he moved to Anglo Chemical/Phibro, where he headed global base metal trading.
In 1989, Farmer founded the Metal & Commodity Company Ltd, which became a major player in the trading world. His company was later sold to Enron in 2000 for $448 million, a deal that highlighted his ability to build and scale businesses. Not stopping there, he co-founded the Red Kite Group in 2005, a hedge fund that specialized in mine finance and futures trading. By 2022, his net worth was estimated at £150 million, showing the scale of his success.
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Political Career and Contributions
Michael Farmer’s journey into politics began in 2011 when he joined the Conservative Party. His financial contributions were significant, with donations exceeding £6 million, making him one of the party’s largest donors. From 2011 to 2015, he served as the Co-Treasurer of the Conservative Party, a role that gave him influence in shaping party policies and strategies.
In September 2014, he was appointed as a Life Peer, taking the title Baron Farmer of Bishopsgate. This appointment allowed him to sit in the House of Lords, where he became an active participant in debates. His focus was not just on economic issues but also on social matters, particularly those related to family welfare, prison reforms, and social mobility.
The Farmer Reviews
One of Michael Farmer’s most notable contributions in politics came through the Farmer Reviews. In 2017, he led a review that examined how strengthening family ties could help male prisoners reintegrate into society and reduce reoffending rates. The findings were clear: prisoners who maintained contact with their families were less likely to commit crimes again.
Building on this, in 2019, Farmer extended the review to include female prisoners. The Farmer Review for Women highlighted similar issues and recommended policies to support women in maintaining family connections during incarceration. These reviews had a direct impact on the UK Ministry of Justice, influencing reforms aimed at reducing crime and improving rehabilitation.
Advocacy and Social Work
Beyond business and politics, Michael Farmer has been deeply involved in social work. He sponsored the Ark All Saints Academy in Camberwell, a school that supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds. His involvement in education reflects his belief that opportunities should be available to all, regardless of their social or economic status.
In 2019, he co-founded the Family Hubs Network, an initiative designed to provide families with access to services and support in one place. Farmer also introduced a Private Member’s Bill that called for family impact assessments in government policies, ensuring that decisions made at the highest levels considered their effect on families.
Role in Brexit and Political Donations
Michael Farmer was not just a businessman and politician; he also played a role in one of the most important political events in modern British history—Brexit. In 2016, he donated £300,000 to the Vote Leave campaign, showing his strong support for Britain’s exit from the European Union. For him, Brexit was not only about economics but also about giving the country a fresh start.
His financial support for the Conservative Party also made headlines. Over the years, he has donated more than £6 million, making him one of the party’s biggest backers. Farmer’s role in Brexit and his political donations highlight how his wealth and convictions have been used to shape the future of the country.
Views on Antisemitism and Israel
Michael Farmer has also spoken out on sensitive global issues. He has been vocal against antisemitism, stressing the need for tolerance and respect in society. In 2016, he served as the Christian Deputy Chair of the Council of Christians and Jews, a position that reflected his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Farmer has also defended Israel’s right to self-defense, especially during times of conflict. His views often stand apart from those of his daughter-in-law, Candace Owens, whose controversial remarks on international issues have drawn criticism. Farmer has made it clear that he does not share those views, and he has distanced himself from them publicly.
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