 Morton was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and read law at Worcester College, Oxford.He was managing director of the British National Oil Corporation 1976–80; chief executive of Guinness Peat Group 1982–87 and chairman in 1987; co-chairman of Eurotunnel, 1987–96 and group chief executive 1990–94; chairman of the British Treasury's private finance panel 1993–95 and chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, 1999–2001.In 1990, he was awarded an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws) from the University of Bath.