Rebecca Harris

Rebecca Harris is a British politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Castle Point since the 2010 general election. A member of the Conservative Party, she has held several parliamentary roles, including as a Government Whip and as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Her political career has been focused on business policy, local government, and representing her constituency in Essex.

Early life and education

Born in Wimbledon, she was educated at Wimbledon High School before studying at the University of Bristol, where she graduated with a degree in Politics and French. Prior to entering politics, her professional background was in business and marketing, working for companies in London and undertaking roles that involved international trade, which later informed her policy interests. She also served as a Councillor on the London Borough of Merton Council, gaining early experience in local government and public service.

Political career

Elected in the 2010 election, she succeeded independent MP Bob Spink and quickly took on roles within the Conservative parliamentary machinery. She served as a member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee and was appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Work and Pensions under Secretary of State Iain Duncan Smith. In 2016, she was promoted to the role of Government Whip under Prime Minister Theresa May, serving in the Whips' Office of the House of Commons. Following the 2019 election, she was appointed as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade in the Department for Business and Trade under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with responsibilities spanning small business policy, consumer protection, and corporate governance. She has been a vocal advocate for business support measures, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has sponsored legislation on issues such as Sunday trading and apprenticeships.

Electoral history

She first contested the Castle Point constituency in the 2010 general election, winning the seat from independent incumbent Bob Spink with a majority of 7,632 votes. She retained the seat in the 2015 election with an increased majority, and was re-elected again in the 2017 election and the 2019 election, with the constituency consistently returning a Conservative MP. Her electoral performances have been part of the broader Conservative strength in Essex and the East of England region during this period.

Personal life

She is married and has two children. Outside of her political duties, she has been involved with various local charities and community groups in Essex, including organizations focused on supporting veterans and hospice care. She is a supporter of West Ham United Football Club and has listed her interests as including cooking, reading, and sailing.

Category:Conservative Party (UK) MPs Category:Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom for Castle Point Category:Alumni of the University of Bristol Category:Living people