Carrie Symonds

Carrie Symonds. Caroline Rose Symonds is a British political advisor and conservationist, best known for her relationship with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She previously worked in Conservative Party communications, holding senior roles for figures including Sajid Javid and John Whittingdale. Symonds has been a prominent advocate for environmental and animal welfare causes, influencing policy during Johnson's tenure at 10 Downing Street and Chequers.

Early life and education

Caroline Rose Symonds was born in London to Matthew Symonds, a co-founder of The Independent newspaper, and Josephine McAfee, a lawyer. Her parents separated when she was young. She was educated at the independent Godolphin and Latymer School in Hammersmith before reading History of Art and English Literature at the University of Warwick. During her university years, she became involved with the Conservative Party, serving as chair of the Warwick University Conservative Association.

Career

Symonds began her professional career in Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), working in press and broadcasting. She later served as a special advisor to John Whittingdale during his time as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. She subsequently became the Director of Communications for the Conservative Party under chairman Lord Feldman. In 2017, she was appointed as a special advisor to then Home Secretary Sajid Javid, focusing on media strategy. She left government advisory roles in 2018, shifting her focus towards environmental advocacy and working with organizations like Oceana, founded by Ted Danson.

Relationship with Boris Johnson

Symonds's relationship with Boris Johnson, then Foreign Secretary, became public knowledge in 2018. The couple faced significant media scrutiny, particularly during the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election which Johnson won. They moved into the flat above 11 Downing Street following Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister, making Symonds the first unmarried partner of a sitting prime minister to reside there. Their engagement and the birth of their son, Wilfred, were announced in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Symonds is widely reported to have exerted influence on Johnson's policy agenda, especially regarding environmental issues, animal welfare, and appointments such as that of Lord Goldsmith to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Public image and activism

Symonds has cultivated a public profile centered on environmentalism and animal rights. She has been a vocal campaigner against illegal wildlife trade, plastic pollution, and for the protection of species like hedgehogs and African elephants. Her advocacy is credited with shaping the Environment Act 2021 and the government's support for the Animals (Sentience) Bill. She has worked closely with charities such as the Aspinall Foundation and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation. Her style and influence have been frequently covered by media outlets like The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, drawing comparisons to other influential political spouses and partners.

Personal life

Symonds lives with Boris Johnson and their two children. The family has resided at Chequers and a property in South London. She is a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and maintains an active interest in conservation projects. Her personal interests include gardening and wildlife photography. In 2021, she and Johnson were married in a private ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.

Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:British political advisors Category:People educated at Godolphin and Latymer School Category:Alumni of the University of Warwick Category:Conservationists