The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke KC

Biography

Kenneth Clarke KC served as Conservative MP for Rushcliffe from June 1970 to December 2019.

Education

He was educated at Nottingham High School and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

Political career

Kenneth was Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice from May 2010 to September 2012. Other positions include:

  • Secretary of State for Health 1988 to 1990
  • Secretary of State for Education and Science 1990 to 1992
  • Home Secretary 1992 to 1993
  • Chancellor of the Exchequer 1993 to 1997
  • Minister without Portfolio 2012 to 2014

In opposition, he served as Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Career outside politics

A former barrister-at-law, Kenneth was called to the bar by Gray’s Inn in 1963 and became a QC in 1980. He has practised on the Midland Circuit, based in Birmingham.

Personal life

Kenneth is married with 2 children.

Previous roles in government