Chris Pond (politician)

Chris Pond (born 1952) is a British Labour Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gravesham from 1997 to 2005.

Pond was educated at the University of Sussex and the London School of Economics. Prior to entering Parliament, he worked as a journalist and researcher, focusing on poverty and social exclusion. He was Director of the Low Pay Unit (later the Low Pay Commission) from 1986 to 1997.

Elected to represent Gravesham in 1997, Pond served on various select committees, including the Treasury Select Committee. He held ministerial positions as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, and later as a Minister of State at the Cabinet Office.

Pond lost his seat in the 2005 general election to Adam Holloway of the Conservative Party. Since leaving Parliament, he has worked as a consultant and commentator on issues related to poverty, employment, and social policy. He has also been involved in various charitable and non-governmental organizations.