Who is Yvette Cooper?
YVETTE Cooper first entered the world of politics in 1990.
From her parliamentary career to her family life – here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Yvette Cooper?
Yvette Cooper, born March 20, 1969, is a British politician who has been an MP continuously since May 1, 1997.
She has been the Labour MP for Normanton, Pontefract, and Castleford since 2010, having served as the MP for Pontefract and Castleford since 1997, and currently undertakes the role of Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department.
As mentioned above, Cooper began her political career in 1990, as a policy researcher for Shadow Chancellor John Smith before going on to work for the Democratic Party presidential nominee Bill Clinton in 1992.
She then returned to the UK as a policy advisor to the then Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Harriet Harman.
Cooper has also served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
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The politician has long campaigned on the issues of extra help for working parents, tackling child poverty, the promotion of women’s rights, and family reunions for refugees.
In 2015, she announced her bid for Labour Leadership – but the job was eventually given to Jeremy Corbyn.
Alongside her work in politics, Cooper has also released two books – She Speaks: The Power Of Women’s Voices was released in 2020, quickly followed up in 2021 by She Speaks: Women’s Speeches That Changed The World, From Pankhurst To Greta.
When did Yvette Cooper and Ed Balls get married?
Yvette Cooper is married to former politician Ed Balls – who hung up his political boots after losing his Morley and Outwood seat in the 2015 General Election.
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The couple wed on January 10, 1998, in Eastbourne.
They were the first married couple to serve together in the British cabinet back in January 2008, after Yvette became the Chief Secretary to The Treasury.
Do Yvette Cooper and Ed Balls have any children?
The couple share three children together.
They are the parents of daughters Ellie and Maddy, and a son named Joel.
Aside from this information, not much else is known about the family’s personal life.
How long has Yvette Cooper been Shadow Home Secretary?
Yvette Cooper has served as Shadow Home Secretary since 2021.
She previously held the position from 2011 to 2015.