Anna Soubry

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix = The Right Honourable

| name = Anna Soubry

| image = Official portrait of Anna Soubry crop 2.jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2017

| office = Leader of the Independent Group for Change

| term_start = 4 June 2019

| term_end = 19 December 2019

| predecessor = Heidi Allen (Acting)

| successor = Office abolished{{efn|On 19 December 2019 Soubry announced the dissolution of the party, having lost all of their seats in the election that took place on 12 December.}}

| office2 = Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise

| primeminister2 = David Cameron

| term_start2 = 11 May 2015

| term_end2 = 15 July 2016

| predecessor2 = Matt Hancock
Jo Swinson

| successor2 = Margot James

| office3 = Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans{{efn|Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (2013–14)}}

| primeminister3 = David Cameron

| term_start3 = 7 October 2013

| term_end3 = 11 May 2015

| predecessor3 = Mark Francois

| successor3 = Mark Lancaster

| office4 = Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health

| primeminister4 = David Cameron

| term_start4 = 4 September 2012

| term_end4 = 7 October 2013

| predecessor4 = Anne Milton

| successor4 = Jane Ellison

| office5 = Member of Parliament
for Broxtowe

| term_start5 = 6 May 2010

| term_end5 = 6 November 2019

| predecessor5 = Nick Palmer

| successor5 = Darren Henry

| birth_name = Anna Mary Soubry

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|12|7|df=y}}

| birth_place = Lincoln, England

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Independent (1981–1988; since 2019)

| otherparty = Change UK (2019)
Conservative (1975–1981; 1988–2019)

| spouse = {{Marriage|John Gordon|1987|end=div}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/categories/34/?name=Anna+Mary_Soubry&birth=1956&name_x=s_s|title=Anna Mary Soubry|website=www.ancestry.co.uk|access-date=9 June 2019|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109124030/https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/categories/34/?name=Anna+Mary_Soubry&birth=1956&name_x=s_s|url-status=live}}
{{Marriage|Richard Holloway|1994|end=div}}

| partner = Neil Davidson

| children = 2 daughters

| education = University of Birmingham (LLB)
Inns of Court School of Law (BPTC)

| website =

| footnotes = {{Collapsible list

|titlestyle = background:lavender;text-align:center;

|title = Other offices

|bullets = on

| March–June 2019: Change UK Spokesperson for Brexit and Justice

}}

Anna Mary Soubry {{post-nominals|PC|country=GBR}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|uː|b|r|i}}; born 7 December 1956) is a British barrister, journalist and former politician who was Member of Parliament (MP) for Broxtowe from 2010{{London Gazette |issue=59418 |date=13 May 2010 |page=8744}} to 2019. Known for her support of pro-European policies, she was originally elected as a Conservative but left the party to join Change UK in 2019.

Born in Lincoln, Soubry was raised in Nottinghamshire and read law at the University of Birmingham. She was the sole Conservative Party member of the National Union of Students' executive committee while at university but left the Conservatives after graduating and endorsed the Social Democratic Party, although she did not join the new party. After working as a journalist and presenter in regional and network television, she was called to the bar in 1995 and began to practise as a criminal barrister.

Soubry unsuccessfully contested Gedling as a Conservative at the 2005 general election but, after being added to the Conservative A-List, was elected to represent Broxtowe at the subsequent general election in 2010. She was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health from 2012 to 2013 and Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans from 2013 to 2015. She was appointed Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise following the 2015 general election, also attending meetings of the Cabinet, but she returned to the backbenches after Theresa May became Prime Minister in July 2016.

Having been a strong supporter of the United Kingdom remaining in the European Union during the 2016 referendum campaign, Soubry was a vocal critic of Brexit and the Conservative Party's facilitation of the policy. She resigned from the Conservatives in February 2019, citing her party's shift to the right and support of Brexit. She and others joined The Independent Group, later Change UK, and she was appointed its leader in June 2019. She lost her seat to Darren Henry of the Conservative Party in the 2019 general election and Change UK disbanded shortly afterwards. Since 2022, Soubry has endorsed and supported the Labour Party.

Early life

Soubry was born at Lincoln County Hospital in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, where her mother Frances Soubry (née Coward){{Cite web|url=https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=214070195:6195&d=bmd_1581352778|title=FreeBMD Entry Info|access-date=6 March 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919023757/https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?scan=1&r=214070195%3A6195&d=bmd_1581352778%2F|url-status=live}} worked. Her father was David Soubry,{{cite web |url=http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=TZFFQEYebYGARpJ79%2Bh86A&scan=1 |title=Index entry |access-date=6 September 2014 |website=FreeBMD |publisher=ONS |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919023404/https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?cite=TZFFQEYebYGARpJ79+h86A&scan=1 |url-status=live }} a Nottinghamshire garage owner. She was brought up in Dunham-on-Trent and Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.{{cite web |url=http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/about-anna-and-broxtowe |title=Anna Soubry MP Member of Parliament for Broxtowe |website=Anna Soubry MP |access-date=6 September 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917163355/http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/about-anna-and-broxtowe |archive-date=17 September 2012}} Soubry attended the Henry Hartland Grammar School from 1968 to 1970, in which year it became the Hartland Comprehensive; she remained at the school until 1975, in which year she joined the Conservative Party.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/Anna_Soubry/status/847507088339222528 |title=Anna Soubry |website=Twitter |date=4 January 2011 |access-date=30 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124185254/https://twitter.com/Anna_Soubry/status/847507088339222528 |archive-date=24 November 2017}} She was involved in student politics in the 1970s, becoming the only Conservative member of the National Union of Students' executive committee.{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Rosemary |title=Dave's dolls revive Tory faith in the elite list |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/daves-dolls-revive-tory-faith-in-the-elite-list-zfx95zl3rkk |access-date=26 February 2017 |newspaper=The Times |url-access=subscription |date=22 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516172257/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/politics/article2030117.ece |archive-date=16 May 2015 |url-status=live }} She graduated with a degree in law from the University of Birmingham in 1979.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.publications.bham.ac.uk/birmingham_magazine/b_magazine2000/that.html |title=That's where you are! |magazine=The Birmingham Magazine |publisher=Birmingham University |date=1 October 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409211322/http://www.publications.bham.ac.uk/birmingham_magazine/b_magazine2000/that.html |archive-date=9 April 2008 |access-date=12 March 2007}}

Soubry left the Conservatives in 1981, alongside seven other former student leaders, who said at a press conference that the party remained "class based" and that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was now the natural home of young people who "wish to see a prosperously united country".{{cite news |title=Eight former Tory student leaders quite party for SDP |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Nicholas |last=Comfort |date=13 August 1981 |url=https://twitter.com/asabenn/status/1098168765060206592 |access-date=18 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512022605/https://twitter.com/asabenn/status/1098168765060206592 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |url-status=live }} It was reported at the time that Soubry had joined the SDP, along with the others in the group, but in 2018 she denied having done so.{{cite tweet |user=anna_soubry |number=960649711819657216 |author=Anna Soubry |date=5 February 2018 |access-date=18 April 2019 |title=I left the Tory party but unlike Chris Grayling for example) I didn't join the SDP}}

Early career

Soubry was a journalist from 1981 until 1995. She reported on and presented several regional and networked TV programmes, including Central Television's Central Weekend, Grampian Television's North Tonight in the North of Scotland and the East Midlands regional news programme, Central News East. She also presented, reported and featured on Granada Television's This Morning in the late 1980s, and returned to Liverpool's Albert Dock in October 2013 for the This Morning 25th-anniversary party.{{cite web |url=http://www.kch.co.uk/barristers/profile.asp?profileid=84 |title=Profile: Anna Soubry |website=KCH Barristers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708221148/http://www.kch.co.uk/barristers/profile.asp?profileid=84 |archive-date=8 July 2007}} Soubry was called to the Bar in 1995, and is a member of the Criminal Bar Association.{{cite web |url=http://www.kchgardensquare.co.uk/team/barristers/anna-soubry/ |website=KCH Garden Square |title=Barristers: Anna Soubry |access-date=10 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164813/http://www.kchgardensquare.co.uk/team/barristers/anna-soubry/ |archive-date=14 July 2014}}

She was the Conservative Party candidate for the Gedling constituency in Nottinghamshire at the 2005 general election. During the campaign she said she was "ashamed" of living in Nottingham because it had a bad reputation for crime.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/4012263.stm |title=Political battle rages on leaflet |work=BBC News |date=15 November 2004 |access-date=12 March 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715164001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/4012263.stm |archive-date=15 July 2012 |url-status=live }} She stated she was not ashamed of the people of Nottingham, but was ashamed of what had happened to the city.

Soubry was chosen as an "A-List candidate", and in 2006 was selected as Conservative candidate for the nearby Broxtowe constituency.{{cite web |url=http://conservativehome.blogs.com/goldlist/2006/07/anna_soubry_sel.html |title=Anna Soubry selected for Broxtowe |website=ConservativeHome |date=18 July 2006 |access-date=12 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718200943/http://conservativehome.blogs.com/goldlist/2006/07/anna_soubry_sel.html |archive-date=18 July 2008}} During a debate in front of sixth formers in 2006, she said an honest debate was needed to stop people taking Class A drugs, and that she supported the legalisation of cannabis.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/notts_mp_make_cannabis_legal |title=Notts MP: Make Cannabis Legal |newspaper=Healthcanal.com |date=10 September 2006 |via=The Hempire |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220045840/http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/notts_mp_make_cannabis_legal |archive-date=20 February 2008}}

Parliamentary career

Soubry was elected to Parliament at the 2010 general election. She was considered "one of the most formidable communicators of the new intake" by Nicholas Watt of The Guardian, but not a Thatcherite.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/29/conservative-party-301-group-1922 |title=Conservative party's 301 radicals seek to shake up 1922 status quo |first=Nicholas |last=Watt |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 April 2012 |access-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106153008/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/29/conservative-party-301-group-1922 |archive-date=6 November 2013}} In June 2010, Soubry was elected as a Conservative member of the Justice Select Committee.{{cite news |url=http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2010/06/westminster-select-committees-labour-tory-membership/ |title=Westminster select committees: Labour & Tory membership |newspaper=Financial Times |first=Jim |last=Pickard |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=29 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701234647/http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2010/06/westminster-select-committees-labour-tory-membership/ |archive-date=1 July 2010 |url-status=live}}

Soubry sponsored a private member's bill in June 2010 to provide anonymity to a person who has been arrested but not charged.{{cite web |url=http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/anonymityarrestedpersons.html |title=Anonymity (Arrested Persons) Bill 2010–11 |website=Parliament.uk |access-date=10 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710062156/http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/anonymityarrestedpersons.html |archive-date=10 July 2010}} The second reading took place in February 2011. Soubry withdrew the bill after its second reading, when Justice Minister Crispin Blunt promised the Attorney General would examine the area of concern.{{cite web |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2011-02-04a.1214.1 |title=Anonymity (Arrested Persons) Bill: House of Commons debates |date=4 February 2011 |website=TheyWorkForYou |access-date=10 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629140007/http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2011-02-04a.1214.1 |archive-date=29 June 2011}}

Soubry was a strong supporter of same-sex marriage in 2013{{cite web |url=http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/news/anna-soubry-mp-speaks-out-favour-same-sex-marriage-legislation |title=MP Speaks out in favour of Same-Sex Marriage legislation |website=Anna Soubry MP |date=11 December 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121023637/http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/news/anna-soubry-mp-speaks-out-favour-same-sex-marriage-legislation |archive-date=21 January 2014}} and voted in favour of it at every opportunity.{{cite web |url=http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpn=Anna_Soubry&mpc=Broxtowe&house=commons |title=Voting Record – Anna Soubry MP, Broxtowe (24772) |website=The Public Whip |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201094658/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpn=Anna_Soubry&mpc=Broxtowe&house=commons |archive-date=1 February 2014}}

In February 2016, Soubry spoke in favour of fracking.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-35461348 |title=Anna Soubry MP says fracking is 'a good idea' |date=2 February 2016 |work=BBC News |access-date=2 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204004659/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-35461348 |archive-date=4 February 2016}}

In November 2016, Soubry joined the Scottish Affairs Committee.{{cite web |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2016-11-28a.1370.12 |title=Scottish Affairs: 28 November 2016: House of Commons debates |website=TheyWorkForYou |access-date=9 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410132849/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2016-11-28a.1370.12 |archive-date=10 April 2017}} At the 2017 general election Soubry retained her seat with a reduced majority on a record turnout of 75%, despite receiving the highest percentage share and number of votes for a Conservative Party candidate in Broxtowe since the 1992 election.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000607 |title=Election 2017: Broxtowe |work=BBC News |date=9 June 2017 |access-date=9 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520002813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000607 |archive-date=20 May 2017}} In the 2019 general election, standing for the Independent Group for Change, Soubry polled 4,668 votes (8%) and finished 3rd thereby losing her seat to the Conservative Party candidate, Darren Henry, who polled 26,602 votes.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000607 |title=Election 2017: Broxtowe |work=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520002813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000607 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Broxtowe: General Election results|publisher=West Bridgford Wire|url=https://westbridgfordwire.com/broxtowe-general-election-results/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213043530/https://westbridgfordwire.com/broxtowe-general-election-results/|archive-date=13 December 2019}}

=Constituency issues=

==Tram system==

In June 2010, Soubry met the transport minister Norman Baker and called for the £400,000,000 extension to the Nottingham Express Transit tram system to be scrapped, saying the money would be better spent on the A453 road. David Thornhill of the Campaign for Better Transport expressed astonishment at her opinion, and said the tram was definitely better value for money.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10307724 |title=Anna Soubry MP in bid to halt Nottingham tram extension |work=BBC News |date=14 June 2010 |access-date=10 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917121416/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10307724 |archive-date=17 September 2010 |url-status=live}} Soubry said she was pro-tram, but that the tram route through her constituency was "fundamentally flawed".{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Broxtowe-MP-derail-tram-extension/article-2271837-detail/article.html |title=Broxtowe MP in call to halt planned extension of Nottingham's tram system |website=This is Nottingham |date=5 June 2010 |access-date=10 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608130405/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Broxtowe-MP-derail-tram-extension/article-2271837-detail/article.html |archive-date=8 June 2010}} The extension nevertheless was constructed as planned.{{cite news |title=Comprehensive spending review backs light rail |date=29 October 2010 |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/comprehensive-spending-review-backs-light-rail.html |work=Railway Gazette |publisher=DVV Media UK Ltd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927224726/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/comprehensive-spending-review-backs-light-rail.html |archive-date=27 September 2012 |url-status=live}}

In July 2013, Soubry criticised Nottingham City Council leader Jon Collins over his refusal to meet her and others to discuss compensation for shops and businesses in the constituency which faced closure due to the tram works.{{cite news |url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Soubry-Collins-enter-war-words-tram-compensation/story-19609119-detail/story.html |title=Soubry and Collins enter war of words over tram compensation |newspaper=Nottingham Post |date=3 August 2013 |first=Peter |last=Blackburn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223133145/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Soubry-Collins-enter-war-words-tram-compensation/story-19609119-detail/story.html |archive-date=23 February 2014}} Collins subsequently agreed to meet her,{{cite news |url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Soubry-Collins-set-meet-tram-work-complaints/story-19650055-detail/story.html |title=Soubry and Collins set to meet over tram work complaints |newspaper=Nottingham Post |date=13 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223133249/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Soubry-Collins-set-meet-tram-work-complaints/story-19650055-detail/story.html |archive-date=23 February 2014}} and the outcome was a review into the compensation packages available for affected businesses.{{cite news |url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Firms-hit-tram-works-line-review/story-19659165-detail/story.html |title=Firms hit by tram works in line for review |newspaper=Nottingham Post |date=15 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223133148/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Firms-hit-tram-works-line-review/story-19659165-detail/story.html |archive-date=23 February 2014}}

==Royal Mail privatisation==

In October 2010, Soubry wrote in her monthly column in the Beeston Express that on returning to Parliament she met a "somewhat shell-shocked Parliamentary Assistant bearing a pile of some 300 cards from constituents urging me to oppose the proposed sell-off of the Royal Mail."{{cite news |url=http://www.beestonexpress.co.uk/images/beestonexpress/Oct15pdfs/Oct15p3.pdf |date=15 October 2010 |title=Between you and me... |first=Anna |last=Soubry |newspaper=Beeston Express |access-date=14 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720235244/http://www.beestonexpress.co.uk/images/beestonexpress/Oct15pdfs/Oct15p3.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2011}}

She expressed dismay at the time and cost of replying to each constituent when she had already discussed the issue with the Communication Workers' Union (CWU). Twelve days later, Soubry announced in the House of Commons that of the 700 postal workers in her constituency, to her knowledge, none had written to her opposing privatisation of Royal Mail and only two had come to London.{{cite web |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-10-27a.346.0&s=anna+soubry#g404.0 |title=Postal Services Bill House of Commons debates, 27 October 2010, 1:55 pm |website=TheyWorkForYou |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=14 November 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024231109/http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-10-27a.346.0&s=anna+soubry#g404.0 |archive-date=24 October 2012}}

After complaints from the CWU, Soubry agreed she was wrong, but said that some of the letters had been misfiled and others had arrived late or were sent to the wrong MP, and that the CWU had been inefficient. She claimed she genuinely believed she was telling the truth, that the bill protected Royal Mail, its workers and the universal postal service, and said that was the only reason she supported it.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Postal-workers-union-writes-Parliament-MP-s-statement/article-2851792-detail/article.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505132256/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Postal-workers-union-writes-Parliament-MP-s-statement/article-2851792-detail/article.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=Postal workers' union writes to Parliament over MP's statement |last=Monk |first=Delia |date=9 November 2010 |website=This is Nottingham |access-date=10 November 2010}}

==Support for Citizens' Advice Bureau==

In November 2010, Soubry appeared on the East Midlands version of The Politics Show to discuss her efforts to help the Citizens' Advice Bureau. The programme reviewed the current state of Nottinghamshire's CAB which was facing a 30% increase in enquiries plus cuts in its budget from local councils and the Ministry of Justice.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-11681945 |title=Nottinghamshire advice service faces funding crisis |work=BBC News |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=29 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107123317/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-11681945 |archive-date=7 November 2010 |url-status=live}} Soubry said she had asked the leader of Nottingham County Council and Kenneth Clarke to reconsider. Soubry later organised a meeting between the CAB, Midlands Women's Aid and charities minister Nick Hurd to make him aware of the effects of the proposed cuts in funding to these organisations.{{cite web |url=https://www.annasoubry.org.uk/sites/www.annasoubry.org.uk/files/newsletter_23rd_february_2011.pdf |date=23 February 2011 |title=Newsletter: Yes Minister? |website=Anna Soubry MP |access-date=9 March 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103060251/http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/sites/www.annasoubry.org.uk/files/newsletter_23rd_february_2011.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2013}}

==HS2 (High Speed Rail)==

In January 2013, Soubry welcomed the announcement of the proposed High Speed 2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton Sidings in the constituency, stating that it was "a very good news day for Broxtowe". She has held a number of public meetings on the issue.{{cite web |url=http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/sites/www.annasoubry.org.uk/files/28th_january_hs2_newsletter.pdf |first=Anna |last=Soubry |title=Newsletter: HS2 – investing in Broxtowe |website=Anna Soubry MP |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=11 November 2017 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611154532/https://www.annasoubry.org.uk/sites/www.annasoubry.org.uk/files/28th_january_hs2_newsletter.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2017}}

Soubry voiced criticism in August 2013 over plans to not hold a public consultation meeting in the constituency, calling on HS2 Ltd to hold an event in Toton where the proposed East Midlands Hub is to be built.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/MP-Soubry-protests-lack-local-HS2-consultation/story-19637771-detail/story.html |title=MP Soubry protests at lack of local HS2 consultation events |newspaper=Nottingham Post |date=9 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528013912/http://www.nottinghampost.com/MP-Soubry-protests-lack-local-HS2-consultation/story-19637771-detail/story.html |archive-date=28 May 2014}}

=National issues=

==Support for NHS reforms==

In an interview on the Daily Politics show in February 2012, Soubry as public health minister defended the NHS reforms.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17144005 |title=NHS reforms: GPs do not want bill says Clare Gerada |work=BBC News |date=23 February 2012 |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425212049/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17144005 |archive-date=25 April 2012}}

In March 2012, a group of 240 doctors wrote to The Independent describing the reforms as an "embarrassment to democracy" which had no support from professional healthcare organisations.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/doctors-bid-to-unseat-50-mps-in-revenge-over-nhs-bill-7576423.html |title=Doctors bid to unseat 50 MPs in revenge over NHS bill |first1=Jane |last1=Merrick |first2=Brian |last2=Brady |newspaper=The Independent |date=18 March 2012 |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402193402/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/doctors-bid-to-unseat-50-mps-in-revenge-over-nhs-bill-7576423.html |archive-date=2 April 2012}} They pledged to stand as candidates against MPs who backed them and Soubry was mentioned as a likely target. In response Soubry stated there had been no complaints from her local GP consortium and claimed that many local GPs could not wait for the Bill to be passed.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Doctors-vow-unseat-Notts-Anna-Soubry-MP-health/story-15558019-detail/story.html |title=Doctors vow to unseat Notts Anna Soubry MP over health bill backing |website=This is Nottingham |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306050049/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Doctors-vow-unseat-Notts-Anna-Soubry-MP-health/story-15558019-detail/story.html |archive-date=6 March 2014}}

==Smoking==

In a Westminster Hall debate, Soubry emphasised the role advertising plays in encouraging young people to smoke.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10283722/Anna-Soubry-I-took-up-smoking-as-a-teen-because-of-gorgeous-packets.html |title=Anna Soubry: I took up smoking as a teen because of 'gorgeous' packets |first=Peter |last=Dominiczak |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=4 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907212049/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10283722/Anna-Soubry-I-took-up-smoking-as-a-teen-because-of-gorgeous-packets.html |archive-date=7 September 2013 }} She herself took up smoking as a teenager because of the attractive packaging and she compared addiction to nicotine to heroin dependence; though she had no direct experience of the latter. According to The Daily Telegraph, her comments raised questions about why the Coalition dropped plans for plain packaging shortly after David Cameron employed Lynton Crosby, who has worked for tobacco companies, as an election strategist.

=Ministerial career=

Following her appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health in September 2012, Soubry gave an interview with The Times in which she stated her support for assisted suicide for terminally ill people.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19527769 |title=Right-to-die law appalling, says Health Minister Anna Soubry |work=BBC News |date=8 September 2012 |access-date=8 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910173935/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19527769 |archive-date=10 September 2012}} Both the Department of Health and the Ministry of Justice denied there were plans for reform, though her Liberal Democrat colleague Norman Lamb welcomed discussion and said he expected a private members' bill to be introduced by Lord Falconer in 2013. Assisting suicide currently carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence.

On 14 September 2012, speaking at an NHS Leadership Academy conference, Soubry stated that the Coalition had "screwed up" in the way it dealt with the medical profession over the NHS reforms.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9544095/We-screwed-up-health-minister-on-NHS-reforms.html |title='We screwed up' – health minister on NHS reforms |first=James |last=Kirkup |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 September 2012 |access-date=15 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915005957/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9544095/We-screwed-up-health-minister-on-NHS-reforms.html |archive-date=15 September 2012 }}

Soubry later said that she fully supported the reforms but believed the benefits to patients could have been better explained and this would have won more support from health professionals.

As Public Health Minister, Soubry criticised retailers who forced customers to pass "rows of unhealthy foods" on their way to the checkout and said that a new code of practice would urge retailers to stop this and also reduce deals on unhealthy food.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10179235/Supermarkets-to-abolish-checkout-guilt-lanes.html |title=Supermarkets to abolish checkout 'guilt lanes' |first=Alice |last=Philipson |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=15 July 2013 |access-date=29 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802053912/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10179235/Supermarkets-to-abolish-checkout-guilt-lanes.html |archive-date=2 August 2013 }}

In August 2013, as Public Health Minister, Soubry supported plans for a change in the law to allow HIV home-testing kits.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/ministers-to-change-law-to-allow-hiv-self-testing-kits/5062219.article |title=Ministers to change law to allow HIV self-testing kits |magazine=Nursing Times |agency=Press Association |date=12 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201131524/http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/immunology/ministers-to-change-law-to-allow-hiv-self-testing-kits/5062219.article |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}

Soubry was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence in David Cameron's October 2013 reshuffle, becoming the first elected female politician to be a Minister in the MoD. In the July 2014 reshuffle, Soubry was appointed Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans.{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/anna-soubry/3938 |title=Anna Soubry MP |website=Parliament.uk |access-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112200037/http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/anna-soubry/3938 |archive-date=12 November 2014 }}

Following the 2015 general election, Soubry became Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills until 15 July 2016. Her partner, Neil Davidson, is a director at Morrisons leading her opponents to note a potential conflict of interest when she introduced new Sunday trading laws.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12154668/Partner-of-minister-who-wants-to-relax-Sunday-trading-laws-is-on-board-of-Morrisons.html |title=Partner of minister who wants to relax Sunday trading laws is on board of Morrisons |first=Christopher |last=Hope |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 February 2016 |access-date=18 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812173422/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12154668/Partner-of-minister-who-wants-to-relax-Sunday-trading-laws-is-on-board-of-Morrisons.html |archive-date=12 August 2016}} During an interview with ITV's Paul Brand, Soubry revealed that Theresa May offered her a position as Minister of State for Justice in the formation of her first ministry in 2016 - though Soubry rejected this offer, preferring to return to the backbenches.

Soubry was appointed to the Privy Council in May 2015.{{cite web |title=Privy Council appointments: May 2015 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/privy-council-appointments-may-2015 |website=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=22 September 2022 |date=13 May 2015}}

=European Union=

==EU withdrawal referendum==

Soubry was a strong supporter of Britain remaining in the European Union, and backed the "Remain" campaign during the 2016 EU membership referendum, the holding of which she supported.{{cite web |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24772/anna_soubry/broxtowe/divisions?policy=1027 |title=Anna Soubry MP, Broxtowe |website=TheyWorkForYou |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171346/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24772/anna_soubry/broxtowe/divisions?policy=1027 |archive-date=29 December 2018 |url-status=live }}

In September 2016, Soubry criticised members of Vote Leave when it became clear that the pledge "at the heart ... of their message" of £350,000,000 a week of extra funding for the NHS was being dropped from post-Brexit plans.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/10/brexit-camp-abandons-350-million-pound-nhs-pledge |title=Brexit camp abandons £350M a week NHS funding pledge |newspaper=The Observer |last=Helm |first=Toby |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911084716/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/10/brexit-camp-abandons-350-million-pound-nhs-pledge |archive-date=11 September 2016}} Following a leaked Treasury report which claimed that the estimated annual cost to the UK Treasury of a "hard Brexit" would be between £38bn and £66bn per year after 15 years, Soubry referenced the loss of money for schools and hospitals and stated that Parliament should be involved in the principles guiding Brexit negotiations.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/11/revealed-hard-brexit-will-cost-britain-66billion-per-year/ |title='Hard Brexit' will cost Britain £66 billion per year, claims controversial leaked Treasury report |first=Michael |last=Wilkinson |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=11 October 2016 |access-date=11 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011094839/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/11/revealed-hard-brexit-will-cost-britain-66billion-per-year/ |archive-date=11 October 2016}}

==Following the referendum==

Following the referendum, in which Broxtowe had a 54.6% vote to leave,{{Cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2016-06-24/broxtowe-votes-to-leave/|title=Broxtowe votes to Leave|work=itv|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218064849/https://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2016-06-24/broxtowe-votes-to-leave/|archive-date=18 December 2019}} Soubry criticised former Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who led the "Leave" campaign, accusing him of backing Britain's exit from the EU because he wanted to be Prime Minister: "My anger with Boris is that I don't honestly believe that he believed what he was saying to people".{{cite news |first=Will |last=Worley |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-attacked-by-tory-minister-anna-soubry-for-placing-leadership-ambitions-ahead-of-our-a7103241.html |title=Boris Johnson attacked by Tory Minister Anna Soubry for placing 'leadership ambitions ahead of our children's future' |newspaper=The Independent |date=25 June 2016 |access-date=6 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707064621/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-attacked-by-tory-minister-anna-soubry-for-placing-leadership-ambitions-ahead-of-our-a7103241.html |archive-date=7 July 2016}} Appearing as a guest on BBC One's Question Time in June 2016, Soubry warned that some people who voted to leave the EU had disregarded tolerance, and describing it as "[not] our country's finest hour". She urged the UK to put "hope over hatred" following the result.{{cite news |first=Harriet |last=Agerholm |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brexit-eu-referendum-result-immigration-migrants-anna-soubry-latest-news-uk-europe-a7105936.html |title=Brexit: Conservative MP Anna Soubry warns UK must put 'hope over hatred' with immigration |newspaper=The Independent |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=6 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630074040/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brexit-eu-referendum-result-immigration-migrants-anna-soubry-latest-news-uk-europe-a7105936.html |archive-date=30 June 2016}}

In February 2017, Soubry voted to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, triggering the process of withdrawal from the EU, saying: "I said I will honour the result of the referendum, so I voted to trigger article 50. So, I accept we are leaving the European Union, even though the result was close. My argument now is how do we get the best deal, and I want parliament, finally, to be involved in getting the best deal for our country."Peter Walker, [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/15/anna-soubry-receives-messages-calling-for-her-to-be-hanged-as-a-traitor-brexit Anna Soubry receives messages calling for her to be hanged as a traitor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222042009/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/15/anna-soubry-receives-messages-calling-for-her-to-be-hanged-as-a-traitor-brexit |date=22 February 2019 }}, The Guardian (15 December 2017). In parliamentary debate over the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, Soubry said: "I did not vote with my conscience, and if I am truthful about it, I am not sure that I voted in the best interests of my constituents. ... However, I was true to the promise that I had made to my constituents. I had promised them that if they voted leave, they would get leave, and that is what drove me through the Lobbies last week with a heavy heart and against my conscience."[https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2017-02-07/debates/ European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109123951/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Error/404?aspxerrorpath=/commons/2017-02-07/debates/ |date=9 November 2021 }}, Hansard (7 February 2017), Vol. 621.

Addressing a Brexit protest outside Parliament in June 2016{{cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/story/thousands-in-london-anti-brexit-protest-10327813 |title=Thousands In London Anti-Brexit Protest |date=28 June 2016 |website=Sky News |access-date=29 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174207/http://news.sky.com/story/thousands-in-london-anti-brexit-protest-10327813 |archive-date=30 March 2017}} she described how her 84-year-old mother, and her daughters, had "wept" on the morning that the result was announced. In an emotional and impromptu speech she told the gathering "We made a terrible, terrible mistake on Friday" and urged those wanting to stay in the European Union to continue fighting for that cause.

In December 2017, Soubry was one of 11 Conservative rebels who voted in favour of Parliament being guaranteed a vote on the final Brexit deal, despite the government's reluctance, with enough Conservatives rebelling that the measure was forced through.{{cite news |title=Theresa May: We're on course to deliver Brexit despite vote |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42346898 |work=BBC News |date=14 December 2017 |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615182839/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42346898 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Austin |first=Henry |title=Brexit vote: The 11 Tory rebel MPs who defeated the Government |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-vote-tory-mps-rebel-theresa-may-government-defeat-who-were-they-list-a8108776.html |work=The Independent |date=13 December 2017 |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619213817/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-vote-tory-mps-rebel-theresa-may-government-defeat-who-were-they-list-a8108776.html |archive-date=19 June 2018 |url-status=live }}

In January 2018, Soubry said the government should not let the 35 MPs she described as "hard Brexiteers" dictate the terms of Brexit.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42857775 |title=PM urged to 'see off' hard Brexiteers as Tory divisions continue |work=BBC News |date=29 January 2018 |access-date=30 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130121551/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42857775 |archive-date=30 January 2018}} On 15 April 2018, Soubry attended the launch event of the People's Vote, a campaign group calling for a public vote on the final Brexit deal between the UK and the European Union.{{cite news |title=Brexit: 'People's Vote' campaign group launched |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43774200 |work=BBC News |date=15 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416234820/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43774200 |archive-date=16 April 2018 |url-status=live }} Later that year, Soubry declared that there should be a national government to solve the issue of Brexit and went on to argue that members of the European Research Group should be expelled from the Conservative Party. In December 2018, she declared that she would resign the Conservative whip and vote to have no confidence in her government if 'no deal' became the policy of the government.{{cite news |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100696/two-more-senior-tory-mps-say-they-will-quit |title=Two more senior Tory MPs say they will quit the party if Theresa May backs a no-deal Brexit |first=Liz |last=Bates |publisher=PoliticsHome |date=19 December 2018 |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112150236/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/news/100696/two-more-senior-tory-mps-say-they-will-quit |archive-date=12 January 2019 |url-status=live }}

In December 2018, Soubry was harassed by a group of protesters in Westminster she described as "far-right". They referred to her as "on the side of Adolf Hitler" and called her a traitor for her anti-Brexit stance.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Townsend |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/23/police-probe-far-right-yellow-vest-group-anna-soubry |title=Police probe far-right 'yellow vest' group that intimidated Anna Soubry |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 December 2018 |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102202011/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/23/police-probe-far-right-yellow-vest-group-anna-soubry |archive-date=2 January 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Walker |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/20/anna-soubry-accosted-pro-brexit-supporters-hitler |date=20 December 2018 |title='You're on the side of Hitler': Anna Soubry accosted by pro-Brexit supporters |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112113/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/20/anna-soubry-accosted-pro-brexit-supporters-hitler |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live }} This was met with condemnation from MPs of all sides of the political spectrum, and by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46789601 |title=Police under pressure over MP harassment |date=8 January 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112052649/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46789601 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |url-status=live }} In February 2019, James Goddard, one of the activists who accosted Soubry, was charged with harassment in connection with the incident in December 2018 and a separate incident outside Parliament in January 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47296821 |title=Soubry protester James Goddard charged with harassment |work=BBC News |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220191217/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47296821 |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live }}

In early 2019, Soubry co-founded the group Right to Vote.{{cite letter |first=Phillip |last=Lee |recipient=Theresa May |subject=Letter to the Prime Minister from Dr Phillip Lee MP |date=19 March 2019 |url=https://cdn.righttovote.co.uk/assets/righttovote-PMletter19thMarch.pdf |format=pdf |access-date=4 April 2019 |title=Right to vote |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404201125/https://cdn.righttovote.co.uk/assets/righttovote-PMletter19thMarch.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2019 |url-status=live }}

=The Independent Group=

Soubry resigned from the Conservative Party on 20 February 2019, along with Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston, and joined The Independent Group, later Change UK.{{cite web |title=Three MPs quit Tory party to join breakaway group |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47306022 |work=BBC News |access-date=20 February 2019 |date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130130843/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47306022 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |url-status=live }} Soubry stated that "the right wing, the hard-line anti-EU awkward squad" had hijacked the Conservative Party from top to toe.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-group-tory-mps-anna-soubry-sarah-wollaston-heidi-allen-brexit-a8788391.html |title=Ex-Tory MP says battle for party is over because 'hardline, right-wing, awkward squad' has won |date=20 February 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224232847/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-group-tory-mps-anna-soubry-sarah-wollaston-heidi-allen-brexit-a8788391.html |archive-date=24 February 2019 |url-status=live }}

On 4 June 2019, Change UK announced Soubry as their leader after six of the 11 MPs left to sit as independents and Heidi Allen resigned as leader.{{cite news |title=Change UK splits as six of 11 MPs become independents |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48515505 |work=BBC News |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604150204/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48515505 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=live }} Soubry commented that she was "deeply disappointed" at the split.{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Elgot |first2=Jessica |title=Change UK loses six of its 11 MPs after dire EU elections result |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/change-uk-poised-to-lose-at-least-half-its-mps-heidi-allen-chuka-umunna-lib-dems |work=The Guardian |access-date=4 June 2019 |date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604120751/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/change-uk-poised-to-lose-at-least-half-its-mps-heidi-allen-chuka-umunna-lib-dems |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=live }}

Following the new party's failure to win at the December 2019 general election, in which it polled a total of 10,006 votes, Soubry announced that the Independent Group for Change would be disbanded. All three of the party's MPs who sought re-election were defeated with Soubry coming "a distant third in Broxtowe". Soubry stated that while there was "a need for massive change in British politics," without representation in parliament "a longer-term realignment will have to take place in a different way".{{cite news |title=General election 2019: Anna Soubry disbands Independent Group for Change |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50858811 |access-date=19 December 2019 |work=BBC News |date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219195013/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50858811 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |url-status=live }}

Post-parliamentary career

In October 2021, Soubry rejoined her old chambers KCH Garden Square{{cite web |title=Chambers welcomes Anna Soubry back to the criminal team |url=https://kchgardensquare.co.uk/2021/10/13/anna-soubry-returns/ |website=KCH Garden Square Chambers |date=13 October 2021 |access-date=14 December 2022}} and returned to the Criminal Bar.{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Georgina |title=Where Are They Now? Former Change UK MP Anna Soubry |url=https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/where-are-they-now-anna-soubry |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=Politics Home |date=15 November 2021 |language=en}}

At the 2024 United Kingdom general election, Soubry publicly supported the Labour Party candidate Juliet Campbell at the Broxtowe constituency.{{cite news |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/former-broxtowe-conservative-mp-anna-9356761 |title=Former Broxtowe Conservative MP Anna Soubry backs Labour candidate |work=Nottinghamshire Post |date=20 June 2024 |first=Oliver |last=Pridmore}} She also gave public support to Keir Starmer and his leadership of the Labour Party, although not a member of the party herself.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/30/a-lot-of-people-havent-stood-up-to-the-forces-of-darkness-anna-soubry-on-her-mission-to-make-starmer-pm |title=A lot of people haven’t stood up to the forces of darkness’: Anna Soubry on her mission to make Starmer PM |work=The Guardian |date=30 June 2024 |first=Andrew |last=Anthony}}

Personal life

Soubry has been married twice, and is a mother of two daughters by her marriage to John Gordon.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/a-life-in-the-day-anna-soubry-mp-crj87n0zc |title=A life in the day: Anna Soubry, MP |first=Ria |last=Higgins |date=15 May 2016 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk |access-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515050738/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-life-in-the-day-anna-soubry-mp-crj87n0zc |archive-date=15 May 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/relative-values-the-conservative-mp-anna-soubry-and-her-account-manager-daughter-roma-m9q2ckzt3 |title=Relative Values: the Conservative MP Anna Soubry and her account manager daughter, Roma |first=Lisa |last=Collins |date=27 January 2019 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk |access-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515052800/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/relative-values-the-conservative-mp-anna-soubry-and-her-account-manager-daughter-roma-m9q2ckzt3 |archive-date=15 May 2019 |url-status=live }} She has been reported to be in a relationship with Neil Davidson, a non-executive director of Morrisons supermarket.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12154668/Partner-of-minister-who-wants-to-relax-Sunday-trading-laws-is-on-board-of-Morrisons.html |title=Partner of minister who wants to relax Sunday trading laws is on board of Morrisons |first=Christopher |last=Hope |date=14 February 2016 |via=www.telegraph.co.uk |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812173422/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12154668/Partner-of-minister-who-wants-to-relax-Sunday-trading-laws-is-on-board-of-Morrisons.html |archive-date=12 August 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/neil-davidson-treasurer-of-change-uk-used-tax-dodge-denounced-by-minister-w0k75wmfb|work=The Times|title=Neil Davidson, treasurer of Change UK, used tax dodge denounced by minister|first=Andrew|last=Gilligan|date=21 April 2019|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607175811/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/neil-davidson-treasurer-of-change-uk-used-tax-dodge-denounced-by-minister-w0k75wmfb|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}{{Cite news|last=Davies|first=Harry|date=23 May 2020|title=Independent Group for Change's financial records were destroyed|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/23/independent-group-for-changes-financial-records-inappropriately-destroyed|access-date=4 September 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=23 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523224408/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/23/independent-group-for-changes-financial-records-inappropriately-destroyed|url-status=live}}

Notes

References

External links

{{usurped|1=[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20130103052030/http://www.annasoubry.org.uk/ Personal Website]}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20140123145718/http://www.conservatives.com/People/Members_of_Parliament/Soubry_Anna.aspx Anna Soubry MP] Conservative Party profile
{{UK MP links |parliament=anna-soubry/3938 |hansard= |guardian=9228/anna-soubry |publicwhip=Anna_Soubry |theywork=anna_soubry |record=Anna-Soubry/Broxtowe/954 |bbc=35353.stm |journalisted=}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225742/http://www.ethosjournal.com/topics/politics/item/451-profile-anna-soubry Ethos Journal – Sally Gainsbury profiles Anna Soubry MP]
[https://www.theguardian.com/profile/anna-soubry Anna Soubry profile at The Guardian]
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