Robert Jenrick is a British Conservative Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Newark since 2014. He has held several prominent positions within government, most notably as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government from 2019 to 2021. Born in Wolverhampton in 1982, Jenrick was educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School and St John’s College, Cambridge, where he studied history. He later qualified as a barrister and worked in the legal and financial sectors before entering politics. Jenrick’s parliamentary career began after winning a by-election in Newark triggered by the resignation of Patrick Mercer. He quickly established himself as a rising star within the Conservative Party. He held junior ministerial roles, including Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, before being appointed to the Cabinet by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2019. As Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jenrick was responsible for overseeing government policy on housing, local government, planning, and community cohesion. He championed initiatives aimed at increasing homeownership, including the First Homes scheme, which offers discounted homes to first-time buyers. He also focused on reforms to the planning system, aiming to streamline the process and encourage development. His tenure as Housing Secretary was not without controversy. He faced scrutiny over his approval of the Westferry Printworks planning application, a decision that was later overturned after concerns were raised about perceived bias. The controversy led to calls for his resignation, though he maintained he acted in good faith. An investigation cleared him of breaching the ministerial code, but found that his actions gave rise to a perception of bias. Beyond his departmental responsibilities, Jenrick has been a vocal advocate for levelling up the country, a key policy priority for the Conservative government. He has emphasized the importance of investing in towns and communities that have been left behind, aiming to create more opportunities and improve quality of life across the UK. Since leaving his role as Housing Secretary, Jenrick has remained an active MP and a commentator on political affairs. He is often sought after for his insights on housing, planning, and local government issues. He has also taken on roles on parliamentary committees, contributing to debates and shaping policy through his involvement in the legislative process. He continues to represent his constituents in Newark and engage in national policy discussions. He is viewed by many as a significant figure within the Conservative Party and a potential future leader.