Claire Margaret Ward, a British politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Watford, has been selected as the East Midlands first-ever Mayor.
Full result of East Midlands Mayoral election 3 May 2024.
Claire Ward – East Midlands Mayor.
Born on May 9, 1972, in North Shields, Northumberland, Claire Ward’s political engagement began early, influenced by her parents, both Labour Party councillors. Her political career marked by roles in government and with substantial parliamentary experience.
Claire Ward – Early Life and Educational Background
Raised in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, Ward attended Loreto College in St Albans. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Hertfordshire, where she completed a law degree in 1993. She earned a Master’s degree in Britain and the European Union from Brunel University and qualified as a solicitor after studying at the College of Law in London. Her early career included a stint as a trainee solicitor from 1995 to 1998.
Political Career
Ward’s formal political journey began at fifteen when she joined the Labour Party, the Co-operative Party, and the Transport and General Workers’ Union, quickly becoming an active participant in Young Labour. By 1994, she was serving as a councillor and then as Mayor for Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council.
Parliamentary Career
Claire Ward was elected MP for Watford in the 1997 general election, a seat she held until 2010.
She served on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Chocolate and Confectionery Industry Group.
Her parliamentary journey was characterised by her role as a Government Whip and later as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice. Notably, her voting record shows occasional dissent from the party line.
Controversies and Challenges
Claire Ward’s career was not without controversy, particularly regarding her claims on the second home allowance, which became a point of criticism during the 2009 expenses scandal. Despite these challenges, she defended her decisions as necessary compromises to balance her professional responsibilities and personal life as a mother.
Life after Parliament
After losing her parliamentary seat in 2010, Ward transitioned to significant roles outside of active politics. She held various leadership positions, including Executive Director of the Independent Pharmacy Federation and Chair of Pharmacy Voice. Additionally, she ventured into healthcare governance, and served as a non-exec director on the board of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, becoming its Chair in 2021.
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