I have been a member of the Labour Party since I was a teenager and have been MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley since 1997 and now represent Normanton too.
You can read more about what got me into politics, my hobbies and lots more here.
Birthplace
Inverness, Scotland, 1969, to Tony Cooper (trade unionist) and June Cooper (Maths teacher)
Education
Eggars Comprehensive, Alton, Hampshire, Alton Sixth Form College, Oxford University, Harvard University, London School of Economics.
Employment
Economic Researcher for late John Smith, Policy Advisor to Bill Clinton Presidential Campaign, Policy Advisor to Labour Treasury Team on public spending, Economic columnist and leader writer, The Independent newspaper.
Political
June 2009
Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions
January 2008
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
June 2007
Minister for Housing, attending Cabinet
2005
Minister of State (Minister for Housing and Planning), Department for Communities and Local Government
June 2003
appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
May 2002
appointed Parliamentary Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department
October 1999
appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health
May 1997
elected Labour Member of Parliament for Pontefract and Castleford.
Previously: member, Education and Employment Select Committee; member of Employment Sub-Committee; member, Intelligence and Security Committee; All-party Coalfield Communities Group.
Political Membership
Personal
I am married to Ed Balls and we have two daughters and one son.
