Ruth Kelly

Kelly was born in Limavady, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Her mother was a teacher and her father ran a pharmacy. Her maternal grandfather had been the teacher of a village school in Altishane, County Tyrone. She lived briefly in the Republic of Ireland before moving to England, where she was educated at a number of private schools. She initially attended Edgarley Hall, the preparatory school for Millfield School. She was then educated at the independent Sutton High School, run by the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) After being moved up a year and sitting O-levels at Sutton High School at the age of 15, she decided to move back to Ireland to look after her ill grandmother. Her grandmother died after six weeks, but Kelly stayed for a year, living with her aunt and taking A-level French. She returned to England on winning a scholarship to the sixth-form of Westminster School.{{cite news | date = 24 September 2005 | title = Interview with, and bioprofile of, Ruth Kelly | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/interviews/story/0,,1575948,00.html | work = The Guardian | access-date = 16 October 2024 | location = London | first = Decca | last = Aitkenhead | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060627234824/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/interviews/story/0,,1575948,00.html | archive-date = 27 June 2006 | df = dmy-all }}

Kelly then enrolled at The Queen's College, Oxford, where she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 1986 (having originally won a place to study medicine), graduating in 1989. She then undertook postgraduate study at the London School of Economics, where she was awarded a MSc degree in economics in 1992.

Kelly taught at University of Navarra, after she joined the Labour Party in 1990, becoming a member of the party's Bethnal Green and Stepney constituency party.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

She was an economics writer for The Guardian from 1990, before becoming deputy head of the Inflation Report Division of the Bank of England in 1994.

She married Derek John Gadd, a local government officer, in 1996, and they have four children.{{cite news | date = 17 December 2004 | title = Ruth Kelly – a private woman who puts faith into her work | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1406347,00.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110622100439/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1406347,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 22 June 2011 | work = The Times | access-date = 3 June 2006 | location=London | first1=Sean | last1=O'Neill | first2=Laura | last2=Peek | first3=Tony | last3=Halpin}}

Kelly's maternal grandfather, Philip Murphy, served as an officer in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). In 1922 he was interned by the Government of Northern Ireland. Murphy's detention file refers to him as 'quartermaster of the West Fermanagh IRA Battalion'. He went on hunger strike to protest at his detention. He was released unconditionally in June 1924, when internment ended.{{cite news | date = 23 January 2006 | title = Ruth Kelly's grandfather was interned IRA quartermaster| url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,17129-2005823,00.html| work = The Times | access-date = 22 November 2006 | location=London | first=David | last=Sharrock}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Her paternal grandfather Francis (Frank) Kelly joined the Connaught Rangers and served in France during the First World War. After the war, he returned to County Tyrone and took up a post of School Master in Altishane. His first wife died leaving a young family of six. He remarried Mary Agnes and had another six children. One of them James (Seamus) was Ruth's father.

Kelly is a practising Roman Catholic, a member of the Opus Dei,[http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=73512005 Opus Dei Catholic sect confirms Kelly is a member] The Scotsman, 21 January 2005.Nick Assinder: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6290801.stm Blair faces new Church protest], BBC News, 23 January 2007.Matthew Tempest: [http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,1996785,00.html No 10 mulls Catholic opt-out from gay rights law] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125084532/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,1996785,00.html |date=25 January 2007 }}, "The Guardian", 23 January 2007. and a regular attender at their meetings and events.Steve Bloomfield: [http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article447789.ece Opus Dei: Jack Valero speaks for an evil sect, says 'The Da Vinci Code'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911191729/http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article447789.ece |date=11 September 2006 }}, The Independent, 10 May 2006.{{cite news | date=22 December 2004 | title=Scientists are alarmed by Ruth Kelly's strict beliefs | url=http://timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1411905,00.html | work=The Times | access-date=22 November 2006 | location=London | first1=Ruth | last1=Gledhill | first2=Tony | last2=Halpin | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108182007/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1411905,00.html | archive-date=8 January 2006 | df=dmy-all }} Her brother, Ronan Kelly, is also a member of the group.{{cite web | date = 1 February 2005 | title = Education: Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid | url = http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=9232 | publisher = Socialist Review | access-date = 10 January 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060823064518/http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=9232 | archive-date = 23 August 2006 | df = dmy-all }} Previously, uncertainty existed over Kelly's membership; she declined to say whether or not she was a member, saying only that she had received 'spiritual support' from the organisation.George Jones: [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/01/24/nkelly24.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/01/24/ixhome.html Opus Dei will not limit me, says Kelly] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205080450/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2005%2F01%2F24%2Fnkelly24.xml&sSheet=%2Fnews%2F2005%2F01%2F24%2Fixhome.html |date=5 February 2007 }}, Telegraph.co.uk, 24 January 2005.

Kelly is Vice President of the Catholic Union of Great Britain.

In the 1997 general election, Kelly gained the seat of Bolton West from the Conservatives while heavily pregnant, and gave birth to her first son eleven days later. She gained her place in parliament as Tony Blair became Prime Minister with Labour's landslide election victory.

She served on the Treasury Select Committee; she was also appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Agriculture Minister, Nick Brown, from 1998. Kelly was a member of a commission set up by the Institute for Public Policy Research into the Private Finance Initiative, which expressed some scepticism about the operation of the policy.

After Labour won the 2001 general election, Kelly was appointed as Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Her role focused on competition policy and small businesses. After a year she was promoted to be Financial Secretary to the Treasury, giving her responsibility for regulation of the financial services industry. In both positions her principal task was in the thorough revision of the Financial Services regulation system which was introduced by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Kelly brought in new regulations to tackle the funding of terrorism after September 2001 attacks.

Kelly was assigned the task of dealing with Equitable Life after the Penrose Report into the life insurance company was published. She rejected calls for government compensation to Equitable policyholders, on the grounds that the losses arose from actions of the company rather than from any defect of regulation, and that it was still trading. Equitable policyholders continued to demand redress.

As a mother of four young children, she refused to work the long hours normally associated with such positions and refused to take a red box in the evening whilst at the Treasury.Marie Woolf: [http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article66461.ece Ruth Kelly MP: 'I don't have the choice of taking red boxes home. I have four children, and they want their mum'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204148/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article66461.ece |date=30 September 2007 }}, The Independent, 29 March 2004.

In a minor reshuffle, she was promoted to be Minister for the Cabinet Office on 9 September 2004, replacing Douglas Alexander. Kelly guided the Civil Contingencies Bill through its final stages in Parliament, which faced serious objections from some civil liberties campaigns.{{cite news | date = 7 January 2004 | title = Emergency powers plan published | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3375711.stm | publisher = BBC News Online | access-date = 30 November 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070112143109/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3375711.stm | archive-date = 12 January 2007 | df = dmy-all }}

Kelly hardly ever voted against the position of her party and in the most divisive votes over Labour's term, she followed the party line.{{cite web | date = 8 March 2008 | title = They Work For You | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1433 | publisher = They Work For You | access-date = 8 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173429/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip%2Fmember%2F1433 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} She voted for the Iraq War,{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = Ruth Kelly votes on Iraq was — | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=219 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173546/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=219 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} and subsequently voted against an independent investigation into the run-up to the war.{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = Ruth Kelly votes on Iraq was — | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=975 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173633/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=975 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} Kelly also voted for the introduction of tuition top-up fees,{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = University education fees — Should be free | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=367 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173614/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=367 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} in a vote that saw a massive rebellion amongst Labour MPs. She also voted for the introduction of identity cards,{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = 'Identity cards — Against introduction' Ruth Kelly MP, Bolton West | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=230 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173551/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=230 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} voted for replacing Trident,{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = Policy report — 'Trident replacement — In favour' | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=984 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220173638/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=984 | archive-date = 20 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} and argued against the addition of a sunset clause in part 2 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.{{cite web | date = 6 March 2008 | title = Orders of the Day — Civil Contingencies Bill | url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/vo041117/debtext/41117-07.htm#41117-07_spmin0 | publisher = Hansard | access-date = 6 March 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070708160018/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/vo041117/debtext/41117-07.htm#41117-07_spmin0 | archive-date = 8 July 2007 | df = dmy-all }} In a free parliamentary vote on 20 May 2008, Kelly voted for cutting the upper limit for abortions from 24 to 12 weeks, along with two other Catholic cabinet ministers Des Browne and Paul Murphy.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7409696.stm "MPs back 24-week abortion limit"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330152748/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7409696.stm |date=30 March 2009 }}, BBC News, 20 May 2008.

In the reshuffle following the resignation of David Blunkett on 15 December 2004, Kelly entered the Cabinet (also becoming a member of the Privy Council) with the position of Secretary of State for Education and Skills. She became the youngest woman ever to sit in the Cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/3073989/The-rise-and-fall-of-Ruth-Kelly-the-youngest-ever-woman-Cabinet-minister.html |title=The rise and fall of Ruth Kelly the youngest ever woman Cabinet minister|date=24 September 2008|last1=Pierce|first1=Andrew}}

The Government's Extended Schools policy, which planned to open some schools from 8am to 6pm and provide child-care services for working parents, was dubbed by some as "Kelly hours" after Kelly,Rebecca Smithers: [http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,1505054,00.html Dawn to dusk care plan for schools] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060702095153/http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,1505054,00.html |date=2 July 2006 }}, The Guardian, 13 June 2005. although the National Childcare Strategy with before and after-school care funded in most schools by the New Opportunities Fund pre-dated extended schools (and Kelly's ministerial tenure) by several years. The extended schools initiative was predicated on wider use of and access to schools as community resources, not just for parents and children. Her proposals in the 2005 white paper to reduce the number and influence of parent governors in trust schools{{cite news | date = 5 January 2005 | title = Trust Schools | url = http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/columnist/story/0,,1795792,00.html | work = The Guardian | access-date = 19 June 2006 | location = London | first = Fiona | last = Millar | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060615070848/http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/columnist/story/0,,1795792,00.html | archive-date = 15 June 2006 | df = dmy-all }} were seen as a partial reversal of this earlier stance.

Kelly attracted considerable criticism by rejecting the proposals of the Tomlinson report on education reform for the 14–19 age group, which suggested replacing A-level exams with a four-tier diploma.{{cite news | date = 21 February 2005 | title = A-levels are to stay say Kelly | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4278043.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 4 December 2006 | first = Gary | last = Eason | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051113210752/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4278043.stm | archive-date = 13 November 2005 | df = dmy-all }} After the 2005 election, it was rumoured that she was to be demoted back into her old post at the Treasury and although she kept her position at the DfES, she was said to have been "less than thrilled" by the appointment of Tony Blair's adviser Andrew Adonis as a Minister within her department.{{cite news | date = 8 May 2005 | title = I won't quit, vows Blair as cabinet rift opens | url = http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,6903,1479107,00.html | work = The Observer | access-date = 4 December 2006 | location = London | first = Gaby | last = Hinsliff | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061209214034/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,6903,1479107,00.html | archive-date = 9 December 2006 | df = dmy-all }}

On 9 January 2006, it came to light that Kelly's department had granted permission for a man who had been cautioned by police for viewing child pornography images and who was on a sex offenders register to be employed at a school, on the basis that he had not been convicted of an offence. He, and an unknown number of others on the sex offenders register, were not on the DfES prohibited list, "List 99".{{cite news | date = 11 January 2006 | title = Review of sex offenders in school | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4602060.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006}}

On 13 January, Kim Howells, a Minister of State at the DfES, admitted that it was he who had actually made the decision, in accordance with advice given to him by civil servants that the "person did not represent an ongoing threat to children but that he should be given a grave warning". In response to the critical media coverage surrounding the issue, Downing Street issued a statement confirming their confidence in Kelly and denying rumours that she was to be replaced.{{cite news | date = 13 January 2006 | title = Sex case minister will keep job | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4608176.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060619203933/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4608176.stm | archive-date = 19 June 2006 | df = dmy-all }}

There was further controversy when it transpired that another teacher had been cleared to work at a school, despite the fact that he had been convicted in 1980 for indecent assault on a 15-year-old girl and had been previously removed from three schools. A letter from the Department for Education that suggested the Secretary of State had considered his case and found that although his past actions had been unwise and unacceptable, he had undertaken teaching work to good effect since.{{cite news | date = 15 January 2006 | title = Letter reveals Kelly's approval | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4613988.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060426215720/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4613988.stm | archive-date = 26 April 2006 | df = dmy-all }}

{{Main|Education and Inspections Act 2006}}

A controversy in Kelly's time at the DfES was the proposed introduction of trust schools. The Trusts were intended to be non-profit making and to have charitable status, although they could be formed by commercial enterprises. In fact, one of the early DfES-hosted seminars on the establishment of Trusts included representatives from Microsoft and KPMG.{{cite news | date = 9 February 2006 | title = PM talks of school reforms 'hell' | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4695298.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060311113509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4695298.stm | archive-date = 11 March 2006 | df = dmy-all }} However, it was their ability to set their own admission arrangements that generated the most criticism.

A large number of Labour backbenchers, as well as numerous party luminaries like Neil Kinnock and former Education Secretary Estelle Morris, made known their opposition to the proposals and published an alternative white paper.{{cite web | title = Shaping the Education Bill – reaching for consensus | url = http://www.compassonline.org.uk/educationdebate/index2.asp | publisher = Compass | access-date = 3 June 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060210161236/http://www.compassonline.org.uk/educationdebate/index2.asp |archive-date = 10 February 2006}} Faced with such a rebellion, the government initially stressed that it would "press on" with the reforms. However, new Tory leader David Cameron unexpectedly announced that these reforms were in line with Tory policies and that he would support the bill if presented in the proposed form. The government were faced with the prospect of pushing through their reforms only with opposition support and in the face of increased resistance from its own supporters.

When the Education and Inspections Bill 2006 was finally published on 28 February 2006, it contained much of what had been trailed, although most notable by its absence was any mention of "trust school". Foundation and Voluntary Aided schools were left to pick up the mantle of trust schools.

The effect of her religious viewpoint on her opinions regarding controversial scientific questions has been of concern to some scientists who have speculated that her religious views could have an effect on government policy regarding stem cell research.

All four of Kelly's children started at a Roman Catholic primary school in Wapping, east London.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6240165.stm Kelly 'doing right thing' for son] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110082808/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6240165.stm |date=10 January 2007 }} BBC News, 8 January 2007. However, on 8 January 2007, the Daily Mirror revealed that she had withdrawn her son from the voluntary aided school, and — following professional adviceTimes online: [http://women.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,17909-2537042,00.html Ruth Kelly: 'I want to do the right thing for my son']{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, 9 January 2007. — sent him to a preparatory school that specialises in the education of boys aged 7–13 with dyslexia and/or developmental coordination disorder.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/09/nkelly409.xml "Tennis courts, 18-hole golf course and 'expert one-to-one tuition'"]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Graeme Paton, The Daily Telegraph, 9 January 2007. Though the additional cost for specialist support outside the state sector sometimes is covered by the local authority, Kelly stated she has not and will not seek its help in meeting these costs.

According to Ofsted inspection in 2002[http://live.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/100/100962.pdf English Martyrs Roman Catholic School's 2002 Offsted Report]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=This is Paul |fix-attempted=yes }} (pdf). "those with special educational needs, make particularly good progress" at English Martyrs Roman Catholic school,{{clarify|reason=Is this the school Kelly's son was originally at?|date=January 2018}} and that pupils generally meet "standards that are much better than those gained by pupils in similar schools". The school achieved the best exam results in the borough of Tower HamletsBBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/primary_schools/html/agg_211.stm Primary schools in Tower Hamlets] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223090101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/primary_schools/html/agg_211.stm |date=23 February 2007 }}, 7 December 2006. and among the best in the UK, with 96% of children reaching the expected standard for English, and 100% for Maths and Science.BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/primary_schools/html/211_3619.stm English Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School], 7 December 2006. The area's education authority also runs six special needs schools within reach of Kelly's home and responded to the controversy saying, "We are proud of the quality of education we offer to all children. We have a strong record in helping children with a wide range of learning needs to succeed."[https://www.theguardian.com/frontpage/story/0,,1986045,00.html "Kelly accused of hypocrisy over son's private education"], Will Woodward and Hugh Muir, The Guardian, 9 January 2007.

Ian Gibson, Labour MP for Norwich North, called the decision "a slap in the face for the teachers and pupils in the school the child has been taken out of".{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930224751/http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200701/2711b7ae-7dfa-433d-bba8-cc2098ae095b.htm "Kelly defends private school choice"]}}, Andrew Alexander, ePolitix.com, 8 January 2007. However, Conservative Party leader David Cameron, whose own disabled son Ivan attended a state special needs school,[http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23380838-details/Ruth+Kelly+named+as+Labour+minister+sending+a+child+to+private+school/article.do Ruth Kelly named as Labour minister sending a child to private school] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121051838/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23380838-details/Ruth+Kelly+named+as+Labour+minister+sending+a+child+to+private+school/article.do |date=21 January 2007 }}, This is London, Monday 8 January 2007. defended her decision, saying "People should recognise that politicians like everyone else are parents first and will act in the best interests of their children".Matthew Tempest: [https://www.theguardian.com/uklatest/story/0,,-6330149,00.html Kelly defends private school decision], The Guardian, 8 January 2007.

Kelly made a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission about the Mirror's reporting of the story, but the complaint was rejected, with the PCC ruling that the story was "a matter of considerable public interest", given that she is "a Cabinet minister – who had previously been Secretary of State for Education and Skills", and "even if government policy included an acceptance of private schooling for those with special needs, the fact that the complainant did not feel that the current state system could meet her child's requirements raised questions about the nature of {{Sic|hide=y|publicly|-}}funded schooling and its ability to cater for children with special needs – including those whose families would not be able to pay for private schooling."BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6495191.stm news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6495191.stm Kelly's Mirror complaint rejected], 26 March 2007.

Twice Kelly has been targeted by members of fathers' rights group Fathers 4 Justice in egg-throwing incidents. The first was in April 2005; protester Simon Wilmot-Coverdale was charged, and in February 2006 Kelly gave evidence at Salford Magistrates Court. As she left the court, she was again attacked, this time by Michael Downe; the egg smashed on the back of her head.{{cite news | date = 6 February 2006 | title = Egg thrown at Kelly outside court | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4685496.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060526161334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4685496.stm | archive-date = 26 May 2006 | df = dmy-all }} Downes was fined and given an ASBO, which he proceeded to rip up outside the court, promising to continue to fight for fathers' rights.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4794877.stm | work=BBC News | title=Kelly egg thrower avoids prison | date=15 August 2006 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4794877.stm | archive-date=8 May 2014 | df=dmy-all }}

After the English local elections in May 2006, Kelly was appointed Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, a position created when these functions were split off from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The department also took over the Home Office's responsibilities for active communities and civic renewal. She was also given the post of Minister for Women and Equality. Kelly's successor at the Department for Education and Skills was Alan Johnson.

On 16 October 2006, she announced that her new role would involve cutting down on extremists within communities.{{cite news| date = 16 October 2006| title = Kelly denies Muslims 'demonised'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6053992.stm| work = BBC News| access-date = 22 November 2006| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129145204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6053992.stm| archive-date = 29 November 2006| df = dmy-all}}

{{See also|Catholic Church and homosexuality}}

Kelly's staunchly Catholic beliefs and social positions clashed with her Cabinet position as a member of Tony Blair's government, which was pushing for a number of progressive reforms and equality for gay and bisexual people. Criticism intensified when Kelly later became Minister for Women and Equality, and criticism was aired on BBC Radio 5 Live and the front page of The Independent in 2006 over her stance on homosexuality. Blair's government repealed many laws that were perceived as being anti-gay, but Kelly consistently opted out of voting on her party's measures. Kelly opposed lowering the age of consent for homosexuality, as well as voting against outlawing discrimination against gay couples adopting children. Out of fourteen votes during the Blair government surrounding the political issues of homosexuality, Kelly had only attended two.{{cite web | title = Policy report — 'Homosexuality — Equal rights' compared to Ruth Kelly MP, Bolton West | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=826 | publisher = The Public Whip | access-date = 1 December 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184723/http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1433&dmp=826 | archive-date = 30 September 2007 | df = dmy-all }}

LGBT rights activist Peter Tatchell attacked Kelly for her views on homosexuality, claiming: "Tony Blair would never appoint someone to a race equality post who had a lukewarm record of opposing racism".{{cite news | date = 9 May 2006 | title = Kelly's views on gays questioned | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4756399.stm | work = BBC News | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060527185923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4756399.stm | archive-date = 27 May 2006 | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web | date = 6 May 2006 | title = Reshuffle error? Can Ruth Kelly really represent the gay community? | url = http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-1393.html | publisher = pinknews.co.uk | access-date = 3 June 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060517134124/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-1393.html | archive-date = 17 May 2006 | df = dmy-all }} In a letter published in The Times on 11 May 2006, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster claimed that attacks on Kelly were anti-Catholic. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor wrote "Ms Kelly may well be scrutinised for her fitness in office. That is a political judgement. But her Catholicism should not be a criterion in forming that judgement."{{cite news |author = Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor |url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,59-2174470.html |title = Letters to the Editor: Ruth Kelly's faith| work = The Times |date = 11 May 2006 |access-date = 3 June 2006 | location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The Observer newspaper reported on 15 October 2006 that Kelly had joined the Prime Minister in seeking to exempt churches from new equality laws which would require Christian churches to treat homosexuality with equal validity to heterosexuality, which Kelly felt went against Catholic teaching.{{cite news | date = 15 October 2006 | title = Cabinet split over new rights for gays | url = http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,,1922914,00.html | work = The Observer | access-date = 22 November 2006 | location = London | first = Gaby | last = Hinsliff | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061118083555/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0%2C%2C1922914%2C00.html | archive-date = 18 November 2006 | df = dmy-all }} Lorely Burt, the Liberal Democrat Equalities spokesperson, who opposed allowing churches to preach against homosexuality in schools, called for Kelly to be removed from the Cabinet.{{cite news | date = 16 October 2006 | title =Lib Dems urge Kelly to drop equalities brief| url = https://www.theguardian.com/gayrights/story/0,,1923386,00.html | work = The Guardian| access-date = 22 November 2006 | location=London | first=Tania | last=Branigan}} It was reported in January 2007 that Kelly supported an exemption for Catholic adoption agencies from new laws that would allow them to refuse service to gay couples.{{cite news| date = 21 January 2007| title = Church gay rights opt-out opposed| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6284725.stm| work = BBC News| access-date = 22 January 2007| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070206014319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6284725.stm| archive-date = 6 February 2007| df = dmy-all}}{{cite news | date = 22 January 2007 | title = Cabinet row over adoptions by gay couples| url = https://www.theguardian.com/gayrights/story/0,,1995673,00.html | work = The Guardian| access-date = 22 January 2007 | location=London | first=Patrick | last=Wintour}}

Kelly demonstrated some opposition to the development of skyscrapers from her first months as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. In November 2006, she stopped the Brunswick Quay proposal, which represented over £100 million worth of investment into Liverpool, from going ahead. The final report of the planners who carried out the public inquiry had recommended approval for the project.{{cite web | date = 17 November 2006 | title = Liverpool Brunswick Quay Loses Public Inquiry | url = http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=781 | publisher = SkyscraperNews | access-date = 14 December 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061130192225/http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=781 | archive-date = 30 November 2006 | df = dmy-all }} In December 2006, she called a public inquiry into the 20 Fenchurch Street tower in London's financial district,{{cite web | date = 14 December 2006 | title = 20 Fenchurch Street | url = http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4683 | publisher = SkyscraperNews | access-date = 14 December 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070311025644/http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4683 | archive-date = 11 March 2007 | df = dmy-all }} on the basis that a tall building would be "unsuitable for this site". In May 2007, she blocked a 42-storey, 120-m tower in the New England Quarter development in Brighton, designed by Allies and Morrison and being planned by the Beetham Organization.{{cite web | date = 18 May 2007 | title =Government blocks Allies and Morrison's Brighton tower (subscription required)| url = http://www.ajplus.co.uk/news/news_article/?aid=59839&sid=49 | publisher = AJPlus| access-date = 18 May 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011084307/http://www.ajplus.co.uk/news/news_article/?aid=59839&sid=49 |archive-date = 11 October 2007}}{{cite web|title=The Argus, 17 May 2007: Government dumps Beetham Tower plans|date=17 May 2007 |url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/search/display.var.1404410.0.government_dumps_beetham_tower_plans.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234136/http://www.theargus.co.uk/search/display.var.1404410.0.government_dumps_beetham_tower_plans.php|archive-date=26 September 2007|df=dmy-all}} She approved the building of new homes and businesses in Walker, Newcastle, in a bid to regenerate the area.

Kelly was appointed to the position in Gordon Brown's new cabinet on 27 June in a government reshuffle, though it had been speculated she would be removed from the cabinet.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Within a few days of entering her job, she faced tough work as she was responsible for securing the public's safety through transport after some attempted terrorist attacks. She came under fire for admitting along with other Labour Ministers that she had smoked cannabis as a teenager.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6907040.stm | work=BBC News | title=Top ministers admit cannabis use | date=20 July 2007 | access-date=23 May 2010 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115130542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6907040.stm | archive-date=15 January 2009 | df=dmy-all }}

Kelly's support for biofuels drew criticism from activists who felt that it impoverishes third world farmers to assuage first world environmental guilt. "If people starve because of biofuels, Ruth Kelly and her peers will have killed them," wrote environmentalist George Monbiot in The Guardian. "Like all such crimes, it is perpetrated by cowards, attacking the weak to avoid confronting the strong."George Monbiot: [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/story/0,,2205948,00.html The western appetite for biofuels is causing starvation in the poor world], The Guardian, 6 November 2007.

Kelly announced a major increase of railway capacity by providing extra trains across the country by 2010 which drew criticism for her London bias as most of the funding would be spent there.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7113645.stm Crossrail work to start in 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207173831/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7113645.stm |date=7 December 2008 }}, BBC NEWS, 26 November 2007. She gave the go-ahead in 2007 for billions of pounds of public money to be spent on the Crossrail project in London, which caused outrage amongst MPs in other cities, especially Manchester, who had been told that no public transport funding would be given without a congestion charge scheme.David Ottewell: [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1021275_mps_angry_over_london_bias MPs angry over London 'bias'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829183650/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1021275_mps_angry_over_london_bias |date=29 August 2008 }}, Manchester Evening News, 24 October 2007.

Kelly set out proposals for a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow under new extensive plans.BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7106524.stm Heathrow expansion plans unveiled] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230163618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7106524.stm |date=30 December 2008 }}, 22 November 2007. Gordon Brown admitted this was one of the biggest challenges which faced the UK Government over the coming years.BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7105636.stm Heathrow dissatisfaction revealed], 21 November 2007.BBC News: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7107693.stm Heathrow expansion, in graphics], 22 November 2007.

In November 2007 it emerged that Kelly had misused part of her £10,000 communications allowance for party political material. The funds should have only been used for politically neutral material, and Kelly apologised for breaking the rules.[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1022848_kelly_offers_apology "Kelly offers apology"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516225314/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1022848_kelly_offers_apology |date=16 May 2008 }}, Manchester Evening News, 5 November 2007.

In September 2008, Kelly announced her intention to resign from the cabinet to spend more time with her family. This ended her time as Transport Secretary and cabinet minister after four years.{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/giles_coren/article4833617.ece | first = Giles | last = Coren | date = 27 September 2008 | title = Ruth Kelly at 3am: I know what happened | newspaper = The Times | location = London | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604235656/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/giles_coren/article4833617.ece | archive-date = 4 June 2011 | df = dmy-all }} She did not stand at the 2010 general election.Gillian Hargreaves {{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8072830.stm |title=The great Commons clearout |access-date=2009-05-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531083940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8072830.stm |archive-date=31 May 2009 |df=dmy-all |date=29 May 2009 }} "The great Commons clearout"], BBC News, 29 May 2009. Damian McBride, a former senior Labour Party strategist, was shifted from being Gordon Brown's political spokesman to Number 10, after criticism of the way he handled Kelly's resignation.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6083437.ece The Times | Clean up your spin machine]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On 18 May 2009, Kelly became involved in the MPs' expenses scandal when the Daily Telegraph revealed she had claimed a total of £31,000 between 2004 and 2008 for rebuilding, refurbishing, and purchasing appliances for her second home. It was subsequently revealed on 21 May 2009 that some of this money was used to repair damage caused by a burst pipe. Kelly was insured for this damage but did not claim on that insurance after being advised by the fees office that a reasonable amount could be claimed under the allowances system.Daily Telegraph: [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5357930/MPs-expenses-Ruth-Kelly-claimed-thousands-for-damage-despite-insurance.html MPs' expenses: Ruth Kelly] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525073141/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5357930/MPs-expenses-Ruth-Kelly-claimed-thousands-for-damage-despite-insurance.html |date=25 May 2009 }}, 21 May 2009.

In May 2010, Kelly became the Global Head of Client Strategy at HSBC.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/may/17/hsbc-appoints-ruth-kelly-labour|title=HSBC appoints Labour's Ruth Kelly to strategy unit|author=Larry Elliott|work=The Guardian|date=17 May 2010|access-date=22 May 2010|location=London|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508112149/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/may/17/hsbc-appoints-ruth-kelly-labour|archive-date=8 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}

In 2015, Kelly left HSBC and was appointed to become Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at St Mary's University, Twickenham.{{cite web|url=http://www.stmarys.ac.uk/news/news/general/2015/07/ruth-kelly-appointed-pro-vice-chancellor-for-research-enterprise-at-st-marys/|title=Ruth Kelly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise at St Mary's|publisher=St Mary's University|date=1 July 2015|access-date=18 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222121241/http://www.stmarys.ac.uk/news/news/general/2015/07/ruth-kelly-appointed-pro-vice-chancellor-for-research-enterprise-at-st-marys/|archive-date=22 December 2015|df=dmy-all}} Kelly has since left St Mary's University and now{{when|date=February 2025}} works for the Vatican on its financial portfolio. In 2010, Kelly supported David Miliband for the leadership of the Labour Party over his brother, Ed. In 2018, she left the Labour Party over the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn after nearly thirty years of membership.{{cn|date=October 2024}} In 2022 Kelly joined the right-leaning think tank Policy Exchange.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/01/23/labour-plotting-eye-watering-tax-increases-tories-warn-30bn/ |title=Labour plotting 'eye-watering tax increases' as Tories warn £30bn plans will cripple incomes |newspaper=The Telegraph |date= 23 January 2022|access-date=23 January 2022|last1= Rayner|first1= Gordon}} Kelly replaced Anthony Ferrar as chair of Water UK in March 2023.{{Cite web |title=Rt Hon. Ruth Kelly appointed as Water UK Chair |url=https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/rt-hon-ruth-kelly-appointed-as-water-uk-chair/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=www.water.org.uk |language=en-GB}}

• Cabinet of the United Kingdom
• List of Northern Ireland members of the Privy Council

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070609123508/http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1165631 Communities and Local Government page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070615211536/http://www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk/about/ministers.htm Women & Equality Unit]
• [http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/0,9290,-2848,00.html Guardian Unlimited Politics — Ask Aristotle: Ruth Kelly MP]
• [https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/ruth_kelly/bolton_west TheyWorkForYou.com — Ruth Kelly MP]
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4100061.stm BBC Profile (May 2006)]
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/mpdb/html/75.stm BBC Politics page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522021332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/mpdb/html/75.stm |date=22 May 2007 }}
• [http://www.ruthkellymp.co.uk Ruth Kelly website by the Labour Party]

• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/41044000/rm/_41044685_kelly.ram Talking about literacy on the Westminster Hour in April 2005]
• [http://news2.thdo.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/38080000/rm/_38080289_markets07_kelly.ram Speaking on the Today programme in 2002 about Stock Market uncertainties when Financial Secretary to the Treasury]{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It1iJzW3X58 Being 'egged' by Fathers for Justice]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzZtGAgazcA Her housing policies being looked at closely]

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{{Brown Cabinet}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kelly, Ruth}}

Category:1968 births

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