Penelope Mary Mordaunt, known as Penny Mordaunt, is a British politician born on March 4, 1973, and hails from Torquay, Devon, England, UK. Currently serving as the Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, she assumed this role on September 6, 2022.
Before this position, Mordaunt held the position of Minister of State at the Department for International Trade from September 16, 2021, to September 6, 2022. She earned a degree in Philosophy from Reading University, where she pursued her academic journey, including experiences working in hospitals and orphanages in Romania after the 1989 revolution. Her diverse political career encompasses roles such as Paymaster General, Secretary of State for Defence, Secretary of State for International Development, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Minister for the Armed Forces, and Minister of Local Government. Additionally, she has been a Member of Parliament since 2010, holding various significant positions within the UK government.
She made sure the UK was safe by putting national defence policies first as Minister for the Armed Forces and Defence Secretary. In plans for a “modern economy,” she talked about how she wanted to boost economic growth and competition. Mordaunt suggested steps to deal with problems caused by the high cost of living on July 1, 2022. In the July 13, 2022, launch of her Tory leadership campaign, she also called for a “relentless focus on the cost of living issues” by supporting lowering the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and raising the income tax threshold for low- and low-middle-income earners to keep up with inflation. In her work, Mordaunt has fought for equal rights for women, helped with the Brexit talks, and been a part of important events like the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. People noticed her because she was bringing a silver-gilt sword to this important political event. At the coronation of King Charles III, she was honored for her job as Lord President of the Privy Council. She had to give King Charles a valuable sword that was made for the coronation of George IV in 1821 as part of her job. This showed how involved she was in the post and the ceremonial duties.
Following her appointment as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, some critics have voiced concerns and expressed disappointment in her job allocation. Once Mordaunt started working in these positions on September 6, 2022, these criticisms started to show up. Some people thought she might have been hoping for a bigger part in the government. Others have questioned the importance of her duties, seeing them more as formal than useful in shaping policy or government. When looking at Mordaunt’s political career in the Conservative Party and the UK government, these criticisms show how different people feel about it.
Penny Mordaunt’s speech at the Carter Center in Atlanta took place on December 14, 2021. In this address, she emphasized the significance of trade, diplomacy, and defense as foundational elements of British prosperity. Mordaunt highlighted the importance of free and fair trade, competition-based capitalism, and the UK’s commitment to supporting the multilateral trading system. These key points underscored Mordaunt’s dedication to promoting democratic ideals, advocating for free trade, and strengthening global cooperation for peace and prosperity. This speech showcased Mordaunt’s strategic vision for British prosperity and her commitment to fostering international relations based on democratic principles and collaborative trade practices.
The leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, spoke about the contentious anti-boycott bill of the UK government on November 15, 2022, in the House of Commons in London, UK. Aiming to stop public agencies from advocating against foreign entities—more especially, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel—the bill was scheduled to return to parliament in January. The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) law, which has drawn criticism for its possible effects on progressive causes and human rights campaigns, is scheduled for a third reading, according to Mordaunt.
At the Conservative Conference on October 5, 2023, Mary Mordaunt spoke about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She emphasized the need for global unity and denounced regional aggressiveness. She placed a strong emphasis on diplomatic solutions and her steadfast support for Ukraine during this crisis. Among Mordaunt’s main arguments were support for international solidarity, nonviolent resolutions, and aid for those affected by the fighting. Her statement, “In times of crisis, unity, and cooperation are our strongest assets in securing peace and stability for all”.
During her speech and press conference on November 15, 2023, at a high-level UN meeting about the Gaza and Rafah Border Conflict, Penelope Mary Mordaunt stressed the urgent need for international attention and a solution to the region’s growing tensions. She said, “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and understanding.” In his speech, Mordaunt emphasized how critical it is to resolve the situation diplomatically and with humanitarian help to lessen the severity of the situation at the border between Gaza and Rafah. Her proactive strategy and unwavering commitment to finding peaceful solutions were applauded, showing advancements in encouraging communication and collaboration to confront the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Rafah.
In December 2023, at the House of Commons in London, Penelope Mary Mordaunt delivered a speech by reciting an alternative version of the 12 Days of Christmas to mock the SNP’s record. This event highlighted Mordaunt’s active engagement in political discourse and her vocal stance on various issues, particularly critiquing the SNP’s performance and governance. During her speech, Mordaunt humorously altered the lyrics of the traditional Christmas carol, stating, “On the first day of Christmas, the SNP gave to me a police force that questions people without cause. On the second day of Christmas, the SNP gave me a health service that can’t provide mental health support.” These satirical adaptations aimed to draw attention to perceived shortcomings in the SNP’s administration and policies, showcasing Mordaunt’s sharp wit and critical approach to political commentary.
Personal Information | |
Full Name | Penelope Mary Mordaunt |
Birthday | 4 March 1973 |
Spouse | Paul Murray (m. 1999; div. 2000) |
Number of Children | 2 |
Position | Leader of the House of Commons Lord President of the Council |
Political Party | Conservative |
Education | Oaklands Catholic School, University of |
Political Career | |||
Position | Term | Preceded by | Succeeded by |
Leader of the House of CommonsLord President of the Council | 6 September 2022 | Mark Spencer | |
Secretary of State for Defence | 1 May 2019 – 24 July 2019 | Gavin Williamson | Ben Wallace |
Secretary of State for International Development | 9 November 2017 – 1 May 2019 | Priti Patel | Rory Stewart |
Minister for Women and Equalities | 30 April 2018 – 24 July 2019 | Amber Rudd | Amber Rudd |
Minister of State for Trade Policy | 16 September 2021 – 6 September 2022 | Greg Hands | Conor Burns |
Paymaster General | 13 February 2020 – 16 September 2021 | Oliver Dowden | Michael Ellis |
Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health | 15 July 2016 – 9 November 2017 | Justin Tomlinson | Sarah Newton |
Minister of State for the Armed Forces | 11 May 2015 – 15 July 2016 | Mark François | Mike Penning |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government | 14 July 2014 – 11 May 2015 | Nick Boles | James Wharton |
Member of Parliamentfor Portsmouth North | 6 May 2010 | Sarah McCarthy-Fry |