Early Life 

Attended Oxford University for one year, then withdrew, then went to University College London.

Has a PhD in Chemistry.

Employment History

Following gaining a Chemistry doctorate, Coffey became Finance Director at Mars Drinks UK, then a Finance Manager at the BBC.

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Political Life

Coffey was elected to Parliament in 2010.

She rose to public prominence in 2019, when she became Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. In this role she has caused many controversies. 

• She defended the government’s £20 cut to Universal Credit, by telling people they should work 2 more hours. This led to accusations that she did not understand how Universal Credit works, they would actually need to work 9 extra hours.   

• Forced to publish a report that found low-income people reliant on disability benefits are struggling to meet essential living costs such as food, rent and energy bills. Coffey was accused of burying uncomfortable truths. 

• While punishing those on Universal Credit, Coffey claimed £200,000 of expenses in 2019-20. This includes £1,885 per month for rent. 

As Health Secretary, Coffey, who opposes gay marriage, has decided to not purchase 70,000 extra doses of the mpox (a condition that mainly impacts gay men) vaccine because it is poor value for money.

Voted against banning smoking on cars with children because she doesn’t want to tell people how to live their life. But will vote against gay marriage and opposes abortion rights.