Jonathan Ashworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Ashworth
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Official portrait, 2020
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| Member of Parliament for Leicester South |
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| In office 5 May 2011 – 30 May 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Soulsby |
| Succeeded by | Shockat Adam |
| Shadow Cabinet | |
| 2023–2024 | Paymaster General |
| 2021–2023 | Work and Pensions |
| 2016–2021 | Health and Social Care |
| Shadow Minister | |
| 2015–2016 | Without Portfolio |
| 2013–2015 | Cabinet Office |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jonathan Michael Graham Ashworth
14 October 1978 Salford, Greater Manchester, England |
| Political party | Labour Co-op |
| Spouse |
Emilie Oldknow
(m. 2010) |
| Alma mater | St Aidan's College, Durham (BA) |
| Signature |  |
Jonathan Michael Graham Ashworth (born 14 October 1978) is a British politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicester South from 2011 to 2024. He belonged to the Labour and Co-operative Party.
Before becoming an MP, Jonathan Ashworth worked as an adviser for important political figures. These included Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband. He was first elected as an MP in 2011. This happened in a special election called a by-election. From 2016 to 2021, he was the Shadow Health Secretary. This meant he was the main spokesperson for his party on health matters. He also served as Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Shadow Paymaster General. After losing his seat in the 2024 general election, he became the chief executive of a group called Labour Together.
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Early Life and Education
Jonathan Ashworth was born on 14 October 1978. His birthplace was Salford, in Greater Manchester, England. He grew up in north Manchester.
He went to Philips High School and Bury College. Later, he studied politics and philosophy at the University of Durham. In 2000, he was the National Secretary for Labour Students. This is a group for students who support the Labour Party.
Political Career
Working for the Labour Party
Jonathan Ashworth started his career working for the Labour Party in 2001. He was a Political Research Officer. From 2002 to 2004, he focused on economics and welfare policy. In 2003, he helped with the election campaign for the Scottish Labour Party. During this time, he worked closely with Gordon Brown. Gordon Brown later became the Prime Minister.
Adviser to Government Leaders
From 2004, Ashworth became a special adviser. He worked for important government officials in the Treasury. He mainly worked for Gordon Brown, who was the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time. His job was to connect the government with trade unions.
When Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in 2007, Ashworth became his deputy Political Secretary. He continued to link the government with trade unions. After the Labour Party lost the 2010 election, Ashworth worked for the acting party leader, Harriet Harman. He then joined Ed Miliband's team as Head of Party Relations. Ed Miliband became the new leader of the Labour Party.
Parliamentary Career
Becoming an MP for Leicester South
In 2011, Jonathan Ashworth wanted to become an MP for Leicester South. The previous MP, Peter Soulsby, was stepping down. Ashworth was chosen as the Labour Party's candidate. He was also supported by the Co-operative Party.
At the 2011 Leicester South by-election, Ashworth won the election. He received a large number of votes. This made him the new Member of Parliament for Leicester South.
Roles in Parliament
After becoming an MP, Ashworth took on several important roles. From 2011 to 2013, he was an Opposition Whip. This role helps to make sure party members vote together. From 2013 to 2015, he was a Shadow Minister of State for the Cabinet Office.
In 2015, Ashworth was re-elected as MP for Leicester South. He won with even more votes. After the election, he supported Yvette Cooper for Labour Party leader. He also supported Tom Watson for Deputy Leader.
In October 2016, Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, appointed Ashworth as Shadow Secretary of State for Health. This meant he was the main spokesperson for the Labour Party on health issues. He worked to challenge the government's health policies.
Ashworth was re-elected again in the 2017 general election. He won with an even bigger majority.
In December 2019, he spoke about patient safety in hospitals. He said that staff shortages were putting patients at risk. He was re-elected in the 2019 general election.
In November 2021, Ashworth became Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He held this role until September 2023. Then, he was appointed Shadow Paymaster General.
On 4 July 2024, Jonathan Ashworth lost his seat in the general election. He was no longer the MP for Leicester South.
Post-Parliamentary Career
After leaving Parliament, Jonathan Ashworth took on a new role. On 9 July 2024, he became the chief executive of Labour Together. This is a think tank. A think tank is a group that does research and suggests ideas for public policy.
In August 2024, Ashworth traveled to the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. He advised the Harris campaign on their election strategy.
Personal Life
In 2008, Jonathan Ashworth became engaged to Emilie Oldknow. They got married on 3 July 2010. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah attended their wedding. The Ashworths have two daughters.
As a politician, Ashworth has shown a strong interest in public health. He has supported laws to help people with health challenges.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2020
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Jonathan Ashworth's signature
