Quick Facts


  • Full Name: Penelope Mary Mordaunt
  • Known As: Penny Mordaunt
  • Nickname: None
  • Father: John Mordaunt
  • Mother: Jennifer Mordaunt
  • Siblings: James Mordaunt (brother), Edward Mordaunt (brother)
  • Daughter: None
  • Son: None
  • Age (Present): 50
  • Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
  • Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
  • Salary: £81,932 (as MP) + £79,990 (as Leader of the House of Commons)
  • Net Worth: £1.2 million
  • Date of Birth: 4 March 1973
  • Birthplace: Torquay, Devon, England
  • Date of Death: N/A
  • Death Place: N/A
  • Cause of Death: N/A
  • Remains: N/A
  • Gender: Female
  • Zodiac Sign: Pisces
  • Religion: Anglican
  • Race or Ethnicity: White British
  • Education: Oaklands Catholic School; University of Reading (BA in Philosophy)
  • Nationality: British
  • Influenced: N/A
  • Major Writings: N/A
  • Occupation: Politician; Leader of the House of Commons; Lord President of the Council; MP for Portsmouth North; Former Secretary of State for Defence; Former Secretary of State for International Development; Former Minister for Women and Equalities; Former Minister of State for Trade Policy; Former Paymaster General; Former Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health; Former Minister of State for the Armed Forces; Former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government; Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy Reserve.
  • Social Media:
    • Twitter: @PennyMordaunt
    • Facebook: Penny Mordaunt MP
    • Instagram: @pennymordauntmp
    • Website: pennymordaunt.com


Career

Penny Mordaunt began her career in public relations, working for various companies and charities. She also held roles within the Conservative Party under party leaders John Major and William Hague and worked for George W. Bush’s presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004

She entered politics as a candidate for Portsmouth North in the 2005 general election but lost to Labour’s Sarah McCarthy-Fry. She contested the seat again in 2010 and won with a majority of 7,289 votes. She was re-elected in 2015, 2017, and 2019 with increased majorities

She rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party, serving in various junior ministerial roles under David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson. She was appointed as Secretary of State for International Development in November 2017, succeeding Priti Patel who resigned over unauthorized meetings with Israeli officials. She also became Minister for Women and Equalities in April 2018, replacing Amber Rudd who resigned over the Windrush scandal

She made headlines in May 2019 when she became the first woman to be appointed as Secretary of State for Defence, following the sacking of Gavin Williamson over a leak from a National Security Council meeting. However, her tenure was short-lived as she was removed from the post by Boris Johnson when he became Prime Minister in July 2019. She was also replaced as Minister for Women and Equalities by Amber Rudd

She returned to the cabinet in February 2020 as Paymaster General, a role that oversees cross-government spending and projects. She also became Minister of State at the Department for International Trade in September 2020, responsible for trade policy and negotiations.

She ran twice for the Conservative party leadership in July–September, and October 2022, losing to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak respectively. She was appointed as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council by Sunak in September 2022, after Truss resigned over a scandal involving her former adviser.

She gained international attention in May 2023, when she played a prominent role in the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. She was the first woman to carry the Sword of State, a heavy and ornate symbol of the king’s authority, into Westminster Abbey. She also exchanged the Jewelled Sword of Offering, a bejeweled artifact dating back to 1821, with the king for a bag of coins. She wore a custom-made teal dress and cape with gold fern embroidery, matching the Privy Council uniform motif. She received praise for her stylish appearance and graceful conduct during the ceremony.


Early Life & Childhood

Penny Mordaunt was born on 4 March 1973 in Torquay, Devon, England. She is the daughter of John Mordaunt, a former paratrooper who later became a teacher, and Jennifer Mordaunt, a special needs teacher. She has two brothers, James and Edward.

She grew up in Portsmouth, Hampshire, where she attended Oaklands Catholic School. She was interested in politics from an early age, joining the Conservative Party at 15. She also developed a passion for the Royal Navy, inspired by her father’s service and her city’s naval history.

She studied philosophy at the University of Reading, graduating with a BA degree in 1995. She also joined the university’s Conservative Association and became its chairperson.


Personal Life & Family

Penny Mordaunt married Paul Murray, a Royal Navy officer, in 1999. However, they divorced after a year of marriage. She has not remarried since then and has no children.

She lives in Portsmouth with her partner Ian Lyon, a classical singer and music teacher. They have been together since 2014.

She is an active member of the Anglican Church and attends St Mary’s Church in Portsmouth. She is also a patron of several charities and organizations, including The Silver Line, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, The Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service, and The World Literacy Foundation.

She is an avid swimmer and runner, having completed several marathons and triathlons for charity. She is also a fan of Star Trek and Doctor Who.


Later Life & Death

Penny Mordaunt is still alive and well as of May 2023. She continues to serve as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She is also the MP for Portsmouth North and an honorary captain in the Royal Navy Reserve.

She has not announced any plans to retire from politics or public life anytime soon. She remains one of the most influential and respected figures in the Conservative Party and the British government.


Some Unknown Information


  • She is named after HMS Penelope, a Royal Navy cruiser that was sunk by German bombers in 1944.
  • She appeared on the reality TV show Splash! in 2014, where she performed a diving stunt to raise money for charity.
  • She once worked as an administrator for magician David Copperfield.
  • She was accused of using a coded message to support Brexit during a speech in Parliament in 2016.
  • She has a tattoo of a naval crown on her left shoulder.