Eric has been Member of Parliament for Brentwood & Ongar since 1992. Following the General Election in May 2010, David Cameron, The Prime Minister, appointed Eric  as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

In January 2009 David Cameron appointed Eric Pickles The Chairman of the Conservative Party.

In July 2007 he joined the Shadow Cabinet as Communities and Local Government Secretary

From August 2005 until July 2007 he was Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party

In June 2002, he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government & the Regions

In September 2001, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister for London.

In August 1998, Eric was appointed Frontbench Social Security Spokesman

From July 1997 until August 1998, Eric was a Member of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee, Chairman of the All Party Film Group, and Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Parliamentary Environment, Transport and The Regions Committee.

In 1996, he was a Member of the Transport Select Committee

From May 1993 until June 1997, he was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party, with special responsibility for local government affairs.

From February 1993 until May 1993, Eric was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Tim Sainsbury MP, Minister for Industry.