He attended Xavierian College in Bruges and Lyme Regis Grammar School.
During the Second World War he served in the Merchant Navy. Harvey held his seat at the next two general elections, until his defeat at the 1966 election by Labour"s William Robinson. Harvey lived in Loughton, and was a verderer of Epping Forest.
After losing his seat in 1966 he left politics to concentrate on his business career.
He was a director and deputy chairman of Burmah Castrol Europe until his retirement. Harvey should not be confused with John Harvey-Jones, former chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries who died in the same week.
41st United Kingdom Parliament. 42nd United Kingdom Parliament. 43rd United Kingdom Parliament]
He was elected at the 1955 general election as Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) for Walthamstow East, winning the seat with a majority of 1,129 over the sitting Labour Member of Parliament Harry Wallace.