I was first elected as the Conservative MP for East Surrey in December 2019. I then served as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Treasury before being appointed Minister for Disabled People at the Department for Work and Pensions in September 2022 and Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing at the Department for Education. From August 2023 until July 2024, I served in Cabinet as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. I am currently serving as the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and Shadow Minister for Equalities.
I started my career at Merrill Lynch, before leaving the City for a career in social justice policy. I focused on a wide range of issues from education to financial inclusion, to the regeneration of deprived communities including at the Centre for Social Justice. I then spent two years within Government as a Special Adviser, including at HM Treasury. I have a master’s degree in Maths and Philosophy from Oxford.
My local priorities include supporting local community groups who tackle loneliness, protecting our green belt, and working with Surrey Police to tackle shoplifting in our town centres. In 2022 I set up The Friendship Project, a local charity which raises money to support local community groups, and I have distributed over £15,000 so far.