Steve Reed (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Steve Reed OBE MP
Official portrait, 2024
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 July 2024
Prime Minister	Keir Starmer
Preceded by	Steve Barclay
Member of Parliament for Streatham and Croydon North Croydon North (2012–2024)
Incumbent
Assumed office 29 November 2012
Preceded by	Malcolm Wicks
Majority	15,603 (35.0%)
Shadow portfolios Shadow Secretary of State 2023–2024 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2021–2023 Justice 2020–2021 Communities and Local Government Shadow Minister 2019–2020 Children and Families 2016–2019 Civil Society 2015–2016 Local Government 2013–2015 Crime Prevention
Leader of Lambeth Council
In office 24 May 2006 – 29 November 2012
Preceded by	Peter Truesdale
Succeeded by	Lib Peck
Member of Lambeth Council for Brixton Hill Town Hall (1998–2002)
In office 7 May 1998 – 29 November 2012
Personal details
Born	Steven Mark Ward Reed St Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Political party	Labour Co-op
Alma mater	University of Sheffield

Steven Mark Ward Reed is a British politician. He has been the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since July 2024. This means he is a government minister in charge of protecting the environment, supporting farming, and ensuring food safety in the UK.

He is a member of the Labour and Co-operative Party. He has also been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Streatham and Croydon North since 2012. Before becoming an MP, he was the leader of Lambeth London Borough Council from 2006 to 2012.

Early Life and Education

Steve Reed was born and grew up in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. He went to Verulam School. His family worked at a printing factory until it closed in 1983. Around that time, he joined the Labour Party. He later studied English at Sheffield University. After university, he worked in educational publishing, helping to create books and materials for learning.

Working in Local Government

Steve Reed began his political career in local government. He was first elected to the Lambeth Council in 1998.

Leading Lambeth Council

In 2002, his party lost control of Lambeth Council. Reed then became the leader of the opposition, meaning he led the group of councillors who were not in power. In 2006, the Labour Party won back control of Lambeth Council, and Steve Reed became the council's leader.

When he first became leader, Lambeth was seen as one of London's less effective boroughs. However, under his leadership, the council greatly improved its services and ratings by 2009. In the 2010 local elections, his party gained more seats. This was the first time in 20 years that Labour was re-elected to lead Lambeth.

Key Roles in Local Government

During his time in local government, Steve Reed held several important roles. He was:

• A deputy leader for Labour councillors across the country.
• A deputy chairman of the Local Government Association, which supports local councils.
• A board member for London Councils, focusing on children's services and jobs.
• The chairman of a group representing five central London boroughs.

He also worked on a plan to make Lambeth the country's first "co-operative council." This idea aimed to give more control to local communities and people using services. The goal was to deliver better services in a more cost-effective way.

In 2011, Steve Reed was named one of the three most influential council leaders in the UK. He was also recognized for his work in supporting LGBTQ+ rights. In 2013, he received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to local government.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Official portrait, 2017

Steve Reed first tried to become an MP in 2008 but was not chosen as the candidate for the Streatham area. However, in 2012, he was selected to be the Labour candidate for Croydon North. He won the special election held there on November 29, 2012, becoming an MP.

Shadow Minister Roles

In politics, a "Shadow Minister" is a member of the opposition party who watches over a specific government department. They suggest different policies and hold the government accountable. Steve Reed held several important Shadow Minister roles:

• In 2013, he became a Shadow Home Office Minister, focusing on crime prevention.
• From 2015 to 2016, he was a Shadow Minister for Local Government.
• From 2016 to 2019, he was a Shadow Minister for Civil Society.
• From 2019 to 2020, he was a Shadow Minister for Children and Families.
• In April 2020, he became the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
• In November 2021, he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Justice.
• In September 2023, he became the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Working for Change in Parliament

In 2018, Steve Reed worked to pass a new law. This law aimed to make hospitals share more information about how and when they use physical force on patients. It also required police officers attending mental hospitals to wear body cameras. This was important to him because of a tragic event involving a young person from his local area.

In 2020, Steve Reed made a public apology for a tweet he posted. He later confirmed his strong commitment to fighting against racism and supporting Jewish communities.

In the 2024 general election, he was elected as the MP for the new area of Streatham and Croydon North.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

On July 5, 2024, Steve Reed was appointed as the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In this role, he is responsible for many important areas, including:

• Protecting the natural environment and wildlife.
• Supporting farmers and the agricultural industry.
• Ensuring the safety and quality of food.
• Managing rural areas and their communities.

He has been involved in discussions about changes to rules for farmers. He has stated that his goal is to support farmers and ensure the UK's food security.

Personal Life

Steve Reed was sworn into the Privy Council on July 10, 2024. This is a group of senior advisors to the King, and it means he can use the title "The Right Honourable" for life.