He studied History at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he was involved in opposing the Vietnam War.

He stood down from the House of Commons prior to the 2015 general election, after which he went into the public sector advising on planning and construction.

[1] He was privately educated at Repton School and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he graduated with a BA degree in History in 1966.

[2] At Cambridge, he was rusticated for a year after a night climbing incident in which he had displayed a banner against the Vietnam War between the pinnacles of King's College Chapel.

In June 2009, he publicly called for Gordon Brown to resign as Prime Minister, stating at the time, "I personally have considerable respect for Gordon Brown but his leadership is now so seriously damaged that I can't see the likelihood of him leading Labour successfully into the next general election.

[13] On 28 March 2010, The Sunday Times reported that Raynsford earned £9,000 per month from jobs in industries connected to his ministerial career.

They focused around three areas of activity – housing, construction and local government – with which Raynsford has been involved throughout his working life.

[15] He also co-chaired a parliamentary inquiry into youth unemployment which encouraged the promotion of apprenticeships in the construction industry.

[18] In May 2014, he expressed his opposition to a memorial to murdered soldier Lee Rigby, suggesting it "would not in my view be helpful" because it "might attract undesirable interest from extremists".

[19] In March 2013, Raynsford announced his intention to stand down as MP for Greenwich and Woolwich at the next general election and cited his age as the reason behind his decision.