FORMER Conservative politician Michael Portillo, who is now known for his travel documentaries covering rail journeys across the world, was spotted in Ulverston today.

The train travel enthusiast has fronted a number of documentaries for the BBC and Channel 5.

He appeared to be filming outside the Ulverston's Coro. 

In his political career, which started as a special advisor in the late seventies before he became an MP, he was a chief secretary to the treasury and secretary of state for defence. 

Michael Portillo takes a selfie in UlverstonMichael Portillo takes a selfie in Ulverston (Image: Mark Currie)

He lost his Enfield Southgate seat in 1997 - leading to 'Portillo moment' being coined as a phrase. This saw a resurgence in the last election when former Conservative cabinet members such as Liz Truss lost their seats. 

Michael Portillo stands near the Laurel and Hardy statue in the centre of UlverstonMichael Portillo stands near the Laurel and Hardy statue in the centre of Ulverston (Image: Mark Currie)

Despite this famous defeat, Portillo was re-elected only two years later in a by-election for Kensington and Chelsea, and even served as the shadow chancellor of the exchequer. 

After a failed attempt at the Conservative leadership, he eventually left the House of Commons in 2005. 

Since then, he has starred in a number of TV series.

He has presented hundreds of episodes of Great British Railway Journeys, which feature him referring to Bradshaw's Guide - a series of timetables and travel guide books published during the height of the steam age.