John Michael Howell OBE FSA FRGS (born 27 July 1955)[1] is a British politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Henley from 2008 to 2024.

A member of the Conservative Party, he won a by-election to replace Boris Johnson, who resigned following his election as Mayor of London.

[7][better source needed] In the 2000 New Year Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for "services to Export in Central and Eastern Europe.

Following his retaining his seat at the 2010 General Election, Howell was appointed the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader of the House of Commons and the Lord Privy Seal, then Sir George Young, Bt.

[11] In 2012 Howell reported receiving death threats after responding to a question on whether he would be acting to try to halt Israeli military actions with a reference to Hamas rocket attacks in an online exchange.

[22] Howell confirmed on 11 April 2023 that he would not stand for re-election at the 2024 general election, citing old age and his intention to pursue ‘other avenues’.