Minister without Portfolio

The Rt Hon Esther McVey MP

Biography

The Rt Hon Esther McVey was appointed as Minister without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office on 13 November 2023 and was previously the Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from 24 July 2019 to 13 February 2020.

She was previously Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from January to November 2018. She was Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip) from November 2017 to January 2018, and Minister of State for Employment from 2013 to 2015.

She was elected Conservative MP for Tatton in June 2017 and was a Conservative MP for Wirral West from 2010 to 2015.

Education

Esther graduated in law before becoming a graduate trainee with the BBC in 1991. She returned to Liverpool John Moore’s university in 2008 to do an MSc in corporate governance.

Political career

Esther was the first MP to employ an apprentice and got the House of Commons authorities to introduce the scheme.

Career outside politics

After leaving the BBC, Esther worked as a broadcaster and a journalist, presenting and producing programmes such as GMTV, a legal series for Channel 4, a BBC consumer show and a BBC science show.

In 2000, she established her own business setting up office space for new start-up companies as well as establishing the biggest business women’s network in the north west.

She has written a careers book “If Chloe can”, which was turned into a play and performed at the National Youth Theatre.

Personal life

Esther is passionate about issues such as careers, youth unemployment, apprenticeships, investment and business growth.

Minister without Portfolio

Supporting the Deputy Prime Minister on:

  • Driving delivery of government’s priorities
  • Ensuring effective communication of government’s priorities

Supporting the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for the Cabinet Office on:

  • Ensuring efficiency and value for money in government policy
  • Ensuring efficiency and value for money in government delivery 

Supporting the Deputy Prime Minister and Baroness Neville-Rolfe on:

  • Public appointments outreach

Supporting the Minister for the Cabinet Office on:

  • Public Bodies reform programme

More about this role

Cabinet Office