From GMTV to DWP Esther’s rise to power

♦ Grew up in Liverpool and graduated in law, but joined the BBC as a journalist in 1991. She went on to present and produce programmes including GMTV and consumer shows. She has written a careers book called If Chloe can.

♦ First MP to employ an apprentice and encouraged Parliament to set up the scheme. She has spoken frankly on how marriage and children did not happen for her.

♦ Lost her Wirral West seat in 2015. Before that she was minister for employment, where she defended the bedroom tax and welfare cuts.

♦ Appointed Work and Pensions Secretary in January 2018. Before that she was deputy chief whip after winning George Osborne’s former Tatton seat in 2017.