Philip Hammond

Philip Hammond. He is a British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2016 to 2019 under Prime Minister Theresa May. Previously, he held the senior cabinet positions of Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the government of David Cameron. Known for his fiscally cautious and pragmatic approach, his tenure was dominated by negotiations surrounding the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

Early life and education

Born in Epping, Essex, he attended Shenfield School in Brentwood. He later studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University College, Oxford, graduating with a first-class degree. Before entering politics, he pursued a business career, working in property and consultancy, and served as a director of several companies, including Castlemead Ltd.

Political career

He was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Runnymede and Weybridge at the 1997 general election. He held various opposition roles, including shadow chief secretary to the Treasury and shadow work and pensions secretary. Following the formation of the Cameron–Clegg coalition in 2010, he was appointed Secretary of State for Transport. In 2011, he succeeded Liam Fox as Secretary of State for Defence, overseeing operations in Afghanistan and the implementation of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Chancellor of the Exchequer

Appointed by Theresa May in July 2016, his chancellorship was fundamentally shaped by the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. His first Autumn Statement in 2016 abandoned the surplus target of his predecessor, George Osborne. The snap election of 2017 and the resulting Conservative–DUP agreement constrained his fiscal plans. His key budgets, including the 2018 budget, were often characterized by caution, with increased funding for the National Health Service and HM Treasury's preparations for a 'no-deal' Brexit. His opposition to Jeremy Corbyn's economic policies and tensions with Boris Johnson over Brexit spending led to his resignation in July 2019.

Post-government activities

After leaving government, he had the Conservative whip withdrawn in September 2019 for voting against the Johnson ministry on legislation to prevent a no-deal Brexit. He sat as an Independent until the whip was restored in 2020. He did not stand at the 2019 general election. Since leaving the House of Commons, he has taken roles in the business sector, including advisory positions, and has been critical of the economic impacts of Brexit.

Personal life

He married Susan Williams-Walker in 1991, and they have three children. He is a noted car enthusiast and has owned a Porsche 911. His interests include skiing and sailing. He was appointed a Privy Counsellor in 2010.

Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Alumni of University College, Oxford Category:Chancellors of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom Category:Secretaries of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Category:Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom Category:Conservative Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies