Alok Sharma

Sharma was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, and moved to Reading with his parents when he was five years old. He is a Hindu.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/indians-abroad/alok-sharma-rishi-sunak-take-oath-on-bhagwad-gita-in-uk-s-house-of-commons/story-hNqAVICJawgjQMYg4QnffN.html|title=Indian-origin lawmakers Alok Sharma, Rishi Sunak take oath on Bhagwad Gita in UK's House of Commons|date=18 December 2019|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=26 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426091119/https://www.hindustantimes.com/indians-abroad/alok-sharma-rishi-sunak-take-oath-on-bhagwad-gita-in-uk-s-house-of-commons/story-hNqAVICJawgjQMYg4QnffN.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/margaret-thatcher/9995368/Margaret-Thatcher-She-gave-us-a-chance-to-climb-up-the-social-ladder.html |title=Margaret Thatcher: 'She gave us a chance to climb up the social ladder' |first=Peter |last=Stanford |date=15 April 2013 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location= London |access-date=27 June 2018 |archive-date=27 June 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180627091319/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/margaret-thatcher/9995368/Margaret-Thatcher-She-gave-us-a-chance-to-climb-up-the-social-ladder.html}} His father, Prem, was involved in Conservative politics in Reading, and became chairman of the Berkshire area of Conservatives before helping to establish the Conservative Friends of India.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/agra-born-alok-clocks-biggest-tory-swing-delighted-by-victory-father-prem-recalls-days-of-disdain/cid/518814|title=Agra-born Alok clocks biggest Tory swing - Delighted by victory, Father Prem recalls days of disdain|work=Telegraph India|date=9 May 2010|access-date=29 March 2020|last=Roy|first=Amit|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329140158/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/agra-born-alok-clocks-biggest-tory-swing-delighted-by-victory-father-prem-recalls-days-of-disdain/cid/518814|url-status=live}}

Sharma was brought up in Earley and Whitley Wood and was privately educated at both Presentation College and Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning,{{cite web |url=http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=13025 |title=As Reading West MP prepares to stand down the contest hots up |access-date=25 July 2010 |date=17 April 2010 |newspaper=Newbury Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929061402/http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=13025 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} before studying at the University of Salford, from where he graduated with a BSc in Applied Physics with Electronics in 1988.{{cite book|url=https://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-251666|last=Who's Who and Who Was Who|title=Sharma, Rt Hon. Alok, (born 7 Sept. 1967), PC 2019; MP (C) Reading West, since 2010; Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, since 2020|doi=10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U251666|isbn=978-0-19-954088-4|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=10 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810003329/https://www.ukwhoswho.com/view/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-251666|url-status=live}}

He subsequently qualified as a chartered accountant, training with Deloitte Haskins & Sells in Manchester before moving into corporate finance advisory with Nikko Securities and then Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, where he held senior roles based in London, Stockholm and Frankfurt.{{Cite web |title=The Rt Hon Sir Alok Sharma KCMG MP |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/alok-sharma |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230602141126/https://www.gov.uk/government/people/alok-sharma |archive-date=2 June 2023 |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=GOV.UK}} Sharma was an adviser to clients in the corporate and private-equity sector on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, listings and restructurings.{{cite web |url= https://www.conservatives.com/OurTeam/Members_of_Parliament/Sharma_Alok.aspx |title= Alok Sharma |publisher= Conservative Party |access-date= 28 January 2015 |archive-date= 16 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140516183649/http://www.conservatives.com/OurTeam/Members_of_Parliament/Sharma_Alok.aspx |url-status= dead }}

Sharma is a governor of a local primary school in Reading. Previously he served as a chairman of the political think-tank the Bow Group's Economic Affairs Committee.

Sharma was selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the Reading West constituency in 2006. He was elected as the MP for Reading West in the 2010 general election, winning a majority of 6,004 after the retirement of the Labour MP Martin Salter.

In the 2015 general election he was re-elected with an increased majority of 6,650.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000890|title=Reading West parliamentary constituency – Election 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216084638/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000890|url-status=live}}

In the 2017 general election, he won his seat with a reduced majority of 2,876. On being re-elected, Sharma wrote on his website: "Having grown up locally in Reading and being very much a local Reading man, I am delighted to have been re-elected for a constituency in my home town".{{cite web|last=Noor|first=Poppy|title=A quick look at new housing minister Alok Sharma|url=https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/jun/14/new-housing-minister-alok-sharma-reshuffle|website=The Guardian|access-date=31 March 2019|date=14 June 2017|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215182228/https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/jun/14/new-housing-minister-alok-sharma-reshuffle|url-status=live}}

In the 2019 general election Sharma increased his majority to 4,117.

On 26 September 2023, Sharma announced his intention to stand down at the 2024 general election.{{cite web |title=COP26 President Alok Sharma to stand down as MP at next election |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-66925669 |website=BBC News |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=27 September 2023}}

Sharma served as a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee between July 2010 and February 2011{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110214/debtext/110214-0003.htm#11021427000010|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 14 Feb 2011 (pt 0003)|first=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons|last=Westminster|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=21 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121114027/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110214/debtext/110214-0003.htm#11021427000010|url-status=live}} and the Treasury Select Committee between September 2014 and March 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/158/treasury-committee/membership|title=Treasury Committee - Membership - Committees - UK Parliament|website=committees.parliament.uk|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119165930/https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/treasury-committee/membership/|url-status=live}}

Sharma was Conservative Party Vice-Chairman for Candidates from 2012 to 2015{{Cite web |date=11 September 2012 |title=Alok Sharma becomes Tory vice-chairman |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/alok-sharma-becomes-tory-vice-chairman-4196824 |access-date=17 June 2021 |website=getreading.co.uk |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331192725/https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/alok-sharma-becomes-tory-vice-chairman-4196824 |url-status=live }} and co-chairman of Conservative Friends of India in 2014.{{Cite news |date=16 January 2014 |title=British MP Alok Sharma named CF India co-chairman |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/british-mp-alok-sharma-named-cf-india-co-chairman-114011601091_1.html |access-date=16 June 2021 |website=Business Standard India |archive-date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810003555/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/british-mp-alok-sharma-named-cf-india-co-chairman-114011601091_1.html |url-status=live }}

In September 2011, Sharma was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Mark Hoban, the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/13390797.good-news-for-alok/|title=Good news for Alok|website=Reading Chronicle|date=16 September 2010 |access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904000423/https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/13390797.good-news-for-alok/|url-status=live}} During his time as a PPS, Sharma sat on a number of public bill committees including two finance bills, the 2013 Banking Reform Bill and the 2011 Pensions Bill.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24902/alok_sharma/reading_west|title=Alok Sharma MP, Reading West|website=TheyWorkForYou|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730173200/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24902/alok_sharma/reading_west|url-status=live}} He also served as PPS to Sir Oliver Letwin, the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who had overall responsibility for the Cabinet Office.

Following the death of two cyclists in Purley on Thames, Sharma campaigned in 2014 for longer prison sentences for those convicted of death by dangerous driving.{{cite web|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/fiances-two-cyclists-killed-drink-driver-8247721|title=Fiancées of two cyclists killed by drink-driver continue their campaign for change in sentencing law|first=Natasha|last=Adkins|date=8 December 2014|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527064954/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/fiances-two-cyclists-killed-drink-driver-8247721|url-status=live}} Sharma initiated a Parliamentary debate on the issue{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141104/halltext/141104h0002.htm#141104h0002.htm_spnew36|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 04 Nov 2014 (pt 0002)|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174620/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141104/halltext/141104h0002.htm#141104h0002.htm_spnew36|url-status=live}} and backed a petition, started by the families of victims, which gained more than 55,000 signatures.{{cite web|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/purley-cyclists-deaths-lead-parliamentary-8054571|title=Purley cyclists' deaths lead to parliamentary debate on sentencing for dangerous driving|first=Natasha|last=Adkins|date=5 November 2014|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204230102/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/purley-cyclists-deaths-lead-parliamentary-8054571|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67911|title=Archived Petition: Driver receives maximum sentence of 14 years per person that has been killed.|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211223819/http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67911|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=dead}}

Sharma campaigned to reduce the number of first-class carriages on trains operating on the Great Western route between Reading and London. In January 2015, he held a meeting with Rail Minister Claire Perry and First Great Western managing director Mark Hopwood to discuss proposals to increase Standard Class capacity to reduce overcrowding.{{cite web|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/alok-sharma-theres-still-more-8452713|title=Alok Sharma: There's still more to be done on First Great Western trains|first=Jonathan|last=Low|date=15 January 2015|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122113250/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/alok-sharma-theres-still-more-8452713|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Sharma was appointed as the Prime Minister's "Infrastructure Envoy to India" and was a key member of the UK team responsible for ensuring that the first ever "masala" or rupee-denominated bond, issued outside of India by an Indian company, was listed on the London Stock Exchange, strengthening further London's position as a pre-eminent world financial centre.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-first-masala-bond-launches-on-london-stock-exchange|title=World-first "masala" bond launches on London Stock Exchange|date=1 August 2016|access-date=1 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/discover/news-and-insights/london-stock-exchange-welcomes-first-masala-bond-issued-indian-corporate-hdfc|title=London Stock Exchange welcomes the first Masala bond issued by an Indian Corporate, HFDC|date=1 August 2016|access-date=1 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/indian-origin-uk-minister-nudges-nigeria-to-issue-masala-bonds/story-1qspqLzrTdRQcjJxID7MtN.html|title=Indian-origin UK minister nudges Nigeria to issue 'masala bonds'|date=7 August 2019|access-date=1 December 2024}}

File:45 years of UK-China ambassadorial relations (32882421224).jpg to mark the 45th anniversary year of ambassadorial relations between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China, 2017]]

Sharma was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from July 2016 to June 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1183321/envoy-sees-more-uk-thai-investment|title=Envoy sees more UK-Thai investment|work=Bangkok Post|date=20 January 2017|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106213028/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1183321/envoy-sees-more-uk-thai-investment|url-status=live |last1=Jitcharoenkul |first1=Prangthong }}

In June 2017 he was appointed Housing Minister, replacing Gavin Barwell, who lost his seat in the 2017 general election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/agenda/new-housing-minister-appointed-to-replace-barwell-13-06-2017/|title=New housing minister appointed to replace Barwell|first=James|last=Wilmore|date=13 June 2017|access-date=16 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200107/https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/agenda/new-housing-minister-appointed-to-replace-barwell-13-06-2017/|url-status=live}}

As the Minister of State for Housing, Sharma was responsible for the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower fire. He attracted media attention when he was visibly moved while making a statement to the House of Commons on 5 July 2017.{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Joe |date=5 July 2017 |title=Housing minister Alok Sharma wipes away tears after telling Commons of meeting with Grenfell Tower fire survivors |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/housing-minister-wells-up-with-emotion-over-meeting-with-grenfell-tower-fire-survivors-a3580741.html |work=London Evening Standard |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-date=9 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709211516/http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/housing-minister-wells-up-with-emotion-over-meeting-with-grenfell-tower-fire-survivors-a3580741.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author= |title=Grenfell fire: Minister visibly moved in Commons |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-40510532/grenfell-fire-minister-visibly-moved-in-commons |work=BBC |date=5 July 2017 |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705154814/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-40510532/grenfell-fire-minister-visibly-moved-in-commons |url-status=live }}

In January 2018, he became the Minister of State for Employment.{{cite news|last=Coates|first=Sam|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/may-injects-fresh-blood-into-government-mtxx55902|title=May tries to inject fresh blood into government|work=The Times|location=London|date=9 January 2018|access-date=9 January 2018|archive-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728221407/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/may-injects-fresh-blood-into-government-mtxx55902|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}

File:International Development Secretary sees Ebola preparedness work in Uganda (49424321491).jpg

Sharma was appointed Secretary of State for International Development by Boris Johnson following the resignation of Rory Stewart in July 2019. Upon assuming the role, he said: "I am delighted... We will work across the whole of government to deliver Brexit and make sure the United Kingdom's aid is tackling global challenges that affect us all".{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-has-been-appointed-secretary-of-state-for-international-development|title=Alok Sharma has been appointed Secretary of State for International Development|date=24 July 2019|website=GOV.UK|access-date=4 October 2019|archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020174949/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-has-been-appointed-secretary-of-state-for-international-development|url-status=live}}

During his time at the Department, Sharma set up the International Development Infrastructure Commission, which set out recommendations on boosting private capital investment into sustainable infrastructure.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/international-development-secretary-to-boost-infrastructure-in-the-poorest-countries-with-uk-aid|title=International Development Secretary to boost infrastructure in the poorest countries with UK aid}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-development-infrastructure-commission-report|title=International Development Infrastructure Commission: Report}}

In October, Sharma stated he wanted to use the United Kingdom's leverage over the World Bank to focus the use of the nineteenth International Development Association fund on fighting climate change, building sustainable economies and promoting women's rights.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/20/uk-urges-world-bank-to-channel-more-money-into-tackling-climate-crisis|title=UK urges World Bank to channel more money into tackling climate crisis|last=Elliott|first=Larry|date=20 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 November 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128212833/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/20/uk-urges-world-bank-to-channel-more-money-into-tackling-climate-crisis|url-status=live}}

Following the dismissal of Andrea Leadsom in the 2020 cabinet reshuffle, Sharma was appointed to the position of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, taking office on 13 February.

As Secretary of State, Sharma was one of the government's speakers at the daily coronavirus pandemic briefings from Downing Street.

In April 2020, Sharma led the Department's response to support businesses and jobs during the Coronavirus pandemic and chaired the UK Vaccine Taskforce's Ministerial Investment Panel.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-vaccine-taskforce-to-combat-coronavirus |publisher=gov.uk |title=Government launches Vaccine Taskforce to combat coronavirus |access-date=16 December 2024 |date=17 April 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/new-uk-taskforce-to-help-develop-and-roll-out-coronavirus-vaccine |publisher=theguardian.com |title=New UK taskforce to help develop and roll out coronavirus vaccine |access-date=16 December 2024 |date=17 April 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/governments-vaccines-taskforce-has-worked-decisively-and-at-great-pace-to-improve-uks-pandemic-preparedness |publisher=gov.uk |title=New UK taskforce to help develop and roll out coronavirus vaccine |access-date=16 December 2024 |date=8 December 2020}}

In June 2020, he appeared visibly unwell while delivering a statement in the House of Commons.{{Cite news|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/alok-sharma-coronavirus-business-secretary-test-covid-19-house-of-commons-2874176|title=Alok Sharma: Business Secretary tested for coronavirus after looking unwell in House of Commons|work=inews|last=Sandhu|first=Serina|date=4 June 2020|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607175024/https://inews.co.uk/news/alok-sharma-coronavirus-business-secretary-test-covid-19-house-of-commons-2874176|url-status=live}} Although he underwent a test for COVID-19 which came back negative, the situation led to questions being raised about the government's decision to end the use of the virtual parliament and make MPs return to the House of Commons chamber. Certain employees of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy were advised not to return to their work by the Public and Commercial Services Union, who said that there was a lack of evidence that the department had provided enough preventative measures against the virus.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/04/alok-sharma-receives-negative-coronavirus-test-result|title=Alok Sharma receives negative coronavirus test result|work=The Guardian|last=Syal|first=Rajeev|date=4 June 2020|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606234831/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jun/04/alok-sharma-receives-negative-coronavirus-test-result|url-status=live}}

In July 2020, Sharma instructed officials to purchase half of OneWeb, a satellite communications company, for $500 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-direction-for-the-purchase-of-oneweb |publisher=gov.uk |title=Ministerial direction for the purchase of OneWeb |date=22 July 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |archive-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725063213/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-direction-for-the-purchase-of-oneweb |url-status=live }} The company was purchased from Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the United Kingdom's government and Bharti Enterprises.

In November 2020, Sharma led on the Prime Minister's 10-point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution {{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ten-point-plan-for-a-green-industrial-revolution|title=The ten point plan for a green industrial revolution |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2024 }}{{cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2020-11-18/debates/20111879000005/GreenIndustrialRevolution|title=Green Industrial Revolution |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2024 }} and an Energy White Paper.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-white-paper-powering-our-net-zero-future/energy-white-paper-powering-our-net-zero-future-accessible-html-version|title=Energy white paper: Powering our net zero future |date=18 December 2020 |access-date=28 November 2024 }}{{cite web|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/4136/documents/40841/default/|title=ENERGY WHITE PAPER - POWERING OUR NET ZERO FUTURE |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=28 November 2024 }}

With the help of Lord Callanan, Sharma introduced the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to Parliament.{{cite news |title=National Security and Investment Bill 2019-21 |url=https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2019-21/nationalsecurityandinvestment.html |access-date=19 January 2021 |publisher=Parliament.UK |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215200743/https://services.parliament.uk/Bills/2019-21/nationalsecurityandinvestment.html |url-status=live }}

File:The Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar in a meeting with the President-designate of COP 26, Mr. Alok Sharma, in New Delhi on in New Delhi on February 16, 2021 (2).jpg, India ahead of COP26.]]

In addition to his appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 13 February 2020, Sharma was also appointed President of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26),{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-appointed-cop26-president|title=Alok Sharma appointed COP26 President|date=18 February 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|publisher=GOV.UK|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329144436/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-appointed-cop26-president|url-status=live}} following the dismissal of Claire Perry O'Neill in January 2020. At that time the conference was planned for November 2020; in May 2020 it was rearranged for November 2021. The Glasgow Climate Pact was negotiated at the conference under Sharma's Presidency.{{Cite news |date=2022-01-24 |title=Climate change: 'Fragile win' at COP26 summit under threat |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60115969 |access-date=2022-09-02}}

On 8 January 2021, Sharma left his position as Secretary of State to become President of COP26 on a full-time basis, and chair of the Climate Action Implementation Committee.{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-becomes-full-time-cop26-president-and-kwasi-kwarteng-is-appointed-as-secretary-of-state-for-business|title=Alok Sharma becomes full-time COP26 president and Kwasi Kwarteng is appointed as Secretary of State for Business|date=8 January 2021|publisher=GOV.UK|access-date=8 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108171813/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alok-sharma-becomes-full-time-cop26-president-and-kwasi-kwarteng-is-appointed-as-secretary-of-state-for-business|url-status=live}} He moved to the Cabinet Office and retained his status as a full member of the cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/08/alok-sharma-work-full-time-cop26-climate-conference-preparation|title=Alok Sharma to work full-time on Cop26 climate conference preparation|work=The Guardian|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=8 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108175328/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/08/alok-sharma-work-full-time-cop26-climate-conference-preparation|url-status=live}} Sharma formally served as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=26 April 2021|title=FOI2021 07221 REPLY.pdf|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/742036/response/1777368/attach/html/3/FOI2021%2007221%20REPLY.pdf.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2021|website=|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427093304/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/742036/response/1777368/attach/html/3/FOI2021%2007221%20REPLY.pdf.html}}

Amid the July 2022 Conservative Party leadership election, Sharma threatened to resign if the winning candidate did not remain committed to the UK's net zero targets.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-16 |title=Climate chief Alok Sharma warns: I may quit if new PM dumps net zero pledge |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/16/climate-chief-alok-sharma-warns-i-may-quit-if-new-pm-dumps-net-zero-pledge |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} He was reappointed to his role by the Truss ministry on 6 September 2022.{{Cite web |title=Liz Truss - live updates: New PM announces her cabinet as big names confirm departure |url=https://news.sky.com/story/liz-truss-prime-minister-live-updates-picks-cabinet-boris-johnson-12593360 |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=Sky News |language=en}} Upon the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, Sharma retained the Presidency for COP26 but was removed from cabinet.{{Cite news |last=Sandle |first=Paul |date=25 October 2022 |title=UK's Sharma loses cabinet position in PM Sunak's reshuffle |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-sharma-loses-cabinet-position-pm-sunaks-reshuffle-2022-10-25/ |access-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230602140653/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-sharma-loses-cabinet-position-pm-sunaks-reshuffle-2022-10-25/ |archive-date=2 June 2023}} Sharma left office on 20 November 2022 following the closing plenary of COP27 held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/cop26-presidents-speech-at-cop27-closing-plenary | title=COP26 President's speech at COP27 closing plenary | date=20 November 2022 }}

Sharma was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to tackling climate change.{{London Gazette|issue=63918|supp=y|page=N4|date=31 December 2022}}

After standing down as an MP, Sharma was nominated for a life peerage in the 2024 Dissolution Honours.{{London Gazette |date=7 August 2024 |issue=64480 |page=15222 |supp=y}}{{Cite web |title=Dissolution Peerages 2024 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dissolution-peerages-2024 |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Whannel |first=Kate |date=4 July 2024 |title=Theresa May and 'bionic' MP awarded peerages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84975xgdwlo |work=BBC News |language=en |access-date=4 July 2024}} He was created Baron Sharma, of Reading in the Royal County of Berkshire, on 20 August 2024.{{London Gazette |date=27 August 2024 |issue=64498 |page=16458}}

Sharma was awarded a Fellowship of the Science Museum Group in recognition of his leadership as the President of COP26.{{cite web|url=https://blog.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/alok-sharma-awarded-science-museum-group-fellowship|title=Alok Sharma Awarded Science Museum Group Fellowship|date=18 May 2023|access-date=16 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/about-us/science-museum-group-fellows|title=Science Museum Group Fellows|access-date=16 December 2024}}

Sharma is also a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford{{cite web|url=https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/news/alok-sharma-joins-the-oxford-martin-school-as-a-visiting-fellow|title=Alok Sharma joins the Oxford Martin School as a Visiting Fellow|date=1 May 2024|access-date=16 December 2024}} and a Climate and Finance Fellow & Co-Chair of the Rockefeller Foundation's Climate Advisory Council.{{cite web|url=https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/rockefeller-foundation-creates-new-climate-advisory-council|title=Rockefeller Foundation Creates New Climate Advisory Council|date=6 June 2024|access-date=16 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/profile/alok-sharma/|title=Alok Sharma|access-date=16 December 2024}}

File:International Development Secretary Alok Sharma with DFID Permanent Secretary Mathew Rycroft (48367784362).jpg Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft in 2019.]]

Sharma supported the opening in his Reading West constituency of one of the first free schools in England: All Saints Junior School opened in September 2011 and received an 'outstanding' rating in its first Ofsted report.{{cite web|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/readings-first-free-school-picks-5672571|title=Reading's first free school picks up 'outstanding' Ofsted report|first=Paul|last=Cassell|date=7 August 2013|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008035338/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/readings-first-free-school-picks-5672571|url-status=live}}

Sharma has also been appointed a patron of the Wren School, a new secondary free school opening in west Reading in September 2015. Sharma supported the West Reading Education Network in getting the new school approved and is helping the school to find an appropriate permanent site.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrenschool.org/who/alok-sharma-mp |title=Alok Sharma MP |website=The Wren School |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406140147/http://www.wrenschool.org/who/alok-sharma-mp |archive-date=6 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/parents-win-victory-elvian-school-6368363|title=Parents win victory in Elvian School site planning battle|first=Linda|last=Fort|date=4 December 2013|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407095731/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/parents-win-victory-elvian-school-6368363|url-status=live}}

Sharma has been a vocal supporter of the expansion of Heathrow Airport and has spoken in support of increasing the number of airport runways in the South East of England, claiming that "a lack of hub capacity is costing the United Kingdom jobs and investment".{{Cite web |url=https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2013/12/alok-sharma-mp-heathrow-helps-to-drive-the-nations-economic-powerhouse.html |title=Alok Sharma MP: Heathrow helps to drive the nation's economic powerhouse |date=17 December 2013 |website=Conservative Home |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201001/https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2013/12/alok-sharma-mp-heathrow-helps-to-drive-the-nations-economic-powerhouse.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/reading/articles/2014/05/14/100238-reading-west-mp-alok-sharma-welcomes-vital-multibillion-pound-plans-to-expand-heathrow/ |title=Reading West MP Alok Sharma welcomes "vital" multi-billion pound plans to expand Heathrow |first=Joe |last=Gammie |date=14 May 2014 |newspaper=Reading Chronicle |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515014059/http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/reading/articles/2014/05/14/100238-reading-west-mp-alok-sharma-welcomes-vital-multibillion-pound-plans-to-expand-heathrow/ |archive-date=15 May 2014 |url-status=dead}} This is despite opposition in his own constituency. In 2009 he had opposed the third runway for the environmentally unsustainable way it was being planned and had said: "A third runway at Heathrow would inflict huge damage to the environment and to the quality of life of millions of people. It is time for the government to abandon its plans for a third runway and, if a conservative government is elected, we will certainly stop this environmental disaster". He has argued that the expansion needs to be environmentally sustainable.{{cite web |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/community-unites-against-heathrow-runway-4233017 |title=Community unites against Heathrow runway plan |first=Linda |last=Fort |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=15 June 2017 |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213134918/https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/community-unites-against-heathrow-runway-4233017 |url-status=live }}

File:Hindu festival of Holi (33328461905).jpg event at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]

Sharma set up the East West Leaders' Forum, a discussion forum between business leaders, to promote dialogue between the European Union, India and China. Theresa May, then Home Secretary, gave the keynote speech at the inaugural event, held in London in September 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2f190c8e-3a6b-11e4-bd08-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=uk#axzz3Q2MgXira |title=Theresa May to relax UK transit visa regime |newspaper=Financial Times |location=London |access-date=30 January 2015 |archive-date=6 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106213020/https://www.ft.com/content/2f190c8e-3a6b-11e4-bd08-00144feabdc0?siteedition=uk#axzz3Q2MgXira |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretarys-speech-at-the-inaugural-east-west-forum|title=Home Secretary's speech at the inaugural East West Forum|date=12 September 2014 |publisher=GOV.UK|access-date=30 January 2015|archive-date=30 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130122934/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretarys-speech-at-the-inaugural-east-west-forum|url-status=live}}

Sharma supported the United Kingdom remaining within the European Union prior to the 2016 referendum.{{cite news|last1=Goodenough|first1=Tom|title=Which Tory MPs back Brexit, who doesn't and who is still on the fence?|url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/02/which-tory-mps-back-brexit-who-doesnt-and-who-is-still-on-the-fence/|access-date=11 October 2016|work=The Spectator|date=16 February 2016|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203120144/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/02/which-tory-mps-back-brexit-who-doesnt-and-who-is-still-on-the-fence/|url-status=live}} He backed Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal agreement in early 2019,{{cite web |title=Alok Sharma Voting Record |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24902/alok_sharma/reading_west/divisions?policy=6761 |website=theyworkforyou.com |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202204233/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24902/alok_sharma/reading_west/divisions?policy=6761 |url-status=live }} and subsequently supported Prime Minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement in October 2019.{{cite web |title=Hansard Voting Record |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-10-23/division/D2F0EF49-7BFC-42D4-88F1-BB57DBB4E746/EXITINGTHEEUROPEANUNION?outputType=Names |website=Hansard |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830235751/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-10-23/division/D2F0EF49-7BFC-42D4-88F1-BB57DBB4E746/EXITINGTHEEUROPEANUNION?outputType=Names |url-status=live }}

Sharma is married and lives in Caversham, Reading, with his wife and two daughters. His wife is Swedish.{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2016/07/alok-sharma-may-is-right-not-to-chase-headlines-on-eu-nationals.html|title=Alok Sharma: May is right not to chase headlines on EU nationals|last=Sharma|first=Alok|website=ConservativeHome|access-date=31 March 2019|date=8 July 2016|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331114603/https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2016/07/alok-sharma-may-is-right-not-to-chase-headlines-on-eu-nationals.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/02/13/alok-sharma-new-business-minister-cop26-president/|access-date=13 February 2020|work=The Telegraph|title=Profile: Alok Sharma - the new business secretary|last=Onita|first=Laura|date=13 February 2020|archive-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213170849/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/02/13/alok-sharma-new-business-minister-cop26-president/|url-status=live}} Sharma took his oath in the House of Commons on the Bhagavad Gita in 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/indians-abroad/alok-sharma-rishi-sunak-take-oath-on-bhagwad-gita-in-uk-s-house-of-commons/story-hNqAVICJawgjQMYg4QnffN.html|access-date=13 January 2020|work=Hindustan Times|title=Indian-origin lawmakers Alok Sharma, Rishi Sunak take oath on Bhagwad Gita in UK's House of Commons|last=Sonwalkar|first=Prasun|date=18 December 2019|archive-date=26 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426091119/https://www.hindustantimes.com/indians-abroad/alok-sharma-rishi-sunak-take-oath-on-bhagwad-gita-in-uk-s-house-of-commons/story-hNqAVICJawgjQMYg4QnffN.html|url-status=live}}

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{{commons category|Alok Sharma}}

• {{Official website}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Minister of State for Housing and Planning|years=2017–2018}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Minister of State for Employment|years=2018–2019}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Secretary of State for International Development|years=2019–2020}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy|years=2020–2021}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharma, Alok}}

Category:1967 births

Category:Living people

Category:Alumni of the University of Salford

Category:British Hindus

Category:Conservative Party (UK) life peers

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Category:Indian emigrants to England

Category:Knights Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George

Category:Life peers created by Charles III

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