Caroline Fiona Ellen Nokes, known as Caroline Nokes, is a prominent British Conservative politician serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Romsey and Southampton North since 2010. She has held various key ministerial and leadership positions, including her most recent appointment as Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Deputy Speaker) in July 2024.
Early Life and Education
Caroline Nokes was born on 26 June 1972 in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England. She was raised in the village of West Wellow, located in the New Forest area. Caroline’s father, Roy Perry, was a Conservative Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Wight & Hampshire South, and her mother, Veronica Perry, was actively involved in local politics at the Wellow Parish Council. Growing up in a political environment, Caroline was exposed to politics from an early age.
Caroline attended The Romsey School and later La Sagesse Convent, both in Romsey. She went on to study Government and Politics at the University of Sussex from 1991 to 1994, where she honed her passion for public service and policy.
Caroline Nokes Early Career
Before entering Parliament, Caroline had a diverse career that included both public service and charity work. After graduating, she worked as a policy adviser to her father during his tenure as an MEP. Later, Caroline became the Chief Executive of the National Pony Society, a UK charity that supports native-breed ponies.
She also served as a local councillor for Test Valley Borough Council from 1999 to 2010. This role allowed her to understand the intricacies of local government, particularly around housing, transport, and rural development.
Caroline Nokes Parliamentary Career
Caroline Nokes was first elected to Parliament in 2010, becoming the MP for Romsey and Southampton North. She succeeded Sandra Gidley, who had held the seat for the Liberal Democrats. Caroline won the seat as a member of the Conservative Party, which marked the beginning of her long political career.
Ministerial Roles
Caroline Nokes has held various ministerial roles during her career:
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Welfare Delivery (Department for Work and Pensions) from July 2016 to June 2017.
- Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office from June 2017 to January 2018.
- Minister of State for Immigration (Home Office) from January 2018 to July 2019.
In these roles, Caroline was responsible for overseeing important policy areas such as welfare reform, immigration law, and government efficiency. Notably, during her tenure as Immigration Minister, she played a central role in managing the EU Settlement Scheme following the Brexit referendum, which allowed EU citizens to apply for settled status in the UK post-Brexit.
Parliamentary Leadership
Caroline also played an important role in committee leadership. From January 2020 to May 2024, she served as the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, which scrutinized issues such as gender equality, transgender rights, and discrimination.
In July 2024, Caroline was elected Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, a prestigious role within the House of Commons, making her one of the three Deputy Speakers. This election reflects her respect within Parliament as she is now responsible for overseeing debates impartially.
Caroline Nokes Personal Life
Caroline Nokes was married to Marc Nokes in 1995. The couple later divorced in 2012. They have one daughter together. Caroline has always kept her family life relatively private, focusing more on her professional achievements.
Her father, Roy Perry, had a significant influence on her early life and political journey, having served as an MEP for Wight & Hampshire South. Caroline has frequently spoken of how her family’s involvement in public life has shaped her political views and commitment to service.
While Caroline has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in her professional capacity, her personal life has been largely free from controversy, with no public information on current relationships or partners following her divorce.
Caroline Nokes Religion, Nationality, and Public Image
Caroline Nokes is a British national and has not publicly stated any particular religious affiliation. She is known more for her political career and advocacy work, particularly in areas such as immigration and gender equality.
Her public image as a professional and hardworking MP is well-established, though some media coverage has ventured into tabloid-style scrutiny of her appearance and personal life. However, such discussions are largely speculative and do not form a substantive part of her political career.
Caroline Nokes Net Worth
While Caroline Nokes has not publicly disclosed her exact net worth, estimates suggest that it is likely to be in the £1 million to £3 million range. This estimate takes into account her salary as an MP, her ministerial roles, and the potential for earnings through speaking engagements and book deals.
However, as an elected official and public servant, her wealth is considered modest compared to some of her counterparts, with most of her financial resources likely derived from her career in Parliament and previous public roles.
Achievements and Key Issues
Caroline Nokes has been a tireless advocate for immigration reform, focusing on making the system fairer for both British citizens and immigrants. As Minister for Immigration, she oversaw crucial initiatives like the EU Settlement Scheme, which allowed EU citizens living in the UK to apply for post-Brexit residency status. She has also focused on gender equality, and during her time as Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, she pushed for greater recognition of women’s rights in both the workplace and broader society.
Her career has been marked by strong leadership, a commitment to service, and a desire to make a difference in both her constituency and at the national level. She has also been involved in key debates on Brexit and social policy, often standing firm on issues of fairness and equal treatment.
Conclusion
Caroline Nokes is a seasoned British politician with a track record of dedication to her constituents, gender equality, and immigration reform. From her early years in Hampshire to her rise to the position of Deputy Speaker in Parliament, she has carved out a respected place in British politics. Her family background, professional journey, and commitment to public service make her an influential figure in modern UK politics.
While she remains a prominent figure in national debates, Caroline Nokes’ personal life continues to be largely private, with much of the media attention on her political achievements rather than sensational tabloid stories. Whether in government or on committees, she continues to be a key voice in Parliament, advocating for policies that affect millions of people across the UK.