Jo Churchill (born 3 March 1976) is a British Conservative Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bury St Edmunds since the 2015 general election.
Early life and education
- Birthplace: London, England.
- Education: Attended St Alban’s Catholic School in Harrow and later studied at the University of York, graduating with a degree in History.
Professional career before Parliament
- Worked in public relations and communications, including roles at a consultancy firm and as a senior manager for an international PR agency.
Political career
| Year | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–present | MP for Bury St Edmunds | Elected in the May 2015 general election; re‑elected in 2017 and 2019. |
| 2020 (Feb–Sep) | Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence | First ministerial role; responsible for defence personnel policy and armed forces welfare. |
| 2020 (Sep) – 2022 (Sep) | Minister for Women and Equalities, Department for International Trade (later the Department for Business and Trade) | Oversaw government policy on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and other equality matters. |
| 2022 (Sep) – present | Minister of State for Transport, Department for Transport | Holds responsibility for rail, road infrastructure and transport policy. |
Parliamentary work
- Serves on the Public Accounts Committee and the Women and Equalities Committee.
- Has campaigned on issues including mental health, support for veterans, and transport infrastructure improvements.
Personal life
- Married to Mark Conrad, a former civil servant; the couple have two children.
References
- “Jo Churchill – Biography.” UK Parliament website.
- “Jo Churchill MP.” Conservative Party official site.
- Official parliamentary records (Hansard) documenting ministerial appointments.
