About Ruth Edwards

Ruth Edwards is the serving Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe since December 2019. Elected on the promise of delivering key improvements across Rushcliffe, she is committed to representing the voice of her constituents both locally and in Parliament.

Making a strong case for Rushcliffe in Parliament, Ruth regularly uses her position as an MP and in several parliamentary groups to raise issues in line with her national and local priorities.

Having joined the cross-party group for Rural Services, Ruth is committed to advancing the interests of Rushcliffe’s rural businesses and high streets, boosting productivity and connecting communities with better broadband and transport infrastructure. 

As an active member of the Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR), she works hard alongside MPs and businesses to help shape the future of the UK’s digital economy and unlock the potential for the growth of innovation and skilled jobs in Rushcliffe.

Ruth also secured a place on the Home Affairs Select Committee where she regularly questioned witnesses on matters such as online harms and violence against women.

After her time on the Home Affairs Select Committee, she joined the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Select Committee where she was involved in important sessions on critical mineral supply chain security and green energy.

Ruth was previously a whip for the Department for Work and Pensions but now Ruth is an assistant Government Whip in the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Health. As a Government Whip, she is responsible for helping manage the Government’s business in Parliament and steering Government Bills through the different Parliamentary stages. 

They also feedback on the general views of MPs within their party to the Chief Whip and Prime Minister.

A lifelong advocate for the environment, she understands the importance of preserving it for future generations. Upon election, she became a member of the Conservative Environment Network, championing sustainability and pushing for countrywide conservation and decarbonisation efforts. She also co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Geographically Protected Food to support our local producers in Rushcliffe. On a local level, Ruth is an advocate for the long-term development of greener homes and jobs. 

Not only does Ruth champion Rushcliffe, but she also champions the East Midlands region with her support for the East Midlands Freeport which has a key site in her constituency at Ratcliffe on Soar. The Freeport will help support thousands of jobs in the Region and create a lasting legacy for green growth in Rushcliffe.

Locally, she has also championed successful campaigns that will ensure West Bridgford Fire Station will remain as a 24hr station, that a network of safe spaces for survivors of domestic abuse exists throughout Rushcliffe, and that defibrillators are readily available and accessible for communities in Rushcliffe and across the UK.

 

Professional Career

After beginning her early career working in the office of Crispin Blunt MP, Ruth went on to lead strategy and public policy for BT's cyber security business.

She has advised governments on strengthening their cyber security policies and on collaborating with stakeholders across the private sector. Ruth has worked for techUK and Deloitte, advising government departments and FTSE 100 companies.

In addition to her professional expertise, Ruth has also undertaken various political roles, including at Policy Exchange and as an expert adviser to the Home Affairs Select Committee on cybercrime and borders and immigration. She has spoken at the UN, World Economic Forum and the OECD.

Ruth believes passionately in the power of mentoring to help others achieve their goals. She has been recognised by industry with a Europe-wide ISG Paragon ‘Women in Technology’ award for helping more young women into technology careers.

Personal Life

Ruth lives near Hickling with her husband, their alpacas, chickens, bees, donkeys, Geoffrey the tortoise, and Clemmie the black lab.

She is an avid reader and plant lover, with books and plants engaged in an on-going battle for territory in her home. At home in the water as well as on land, she is a keen scuba diver and committed to protecting our marine environment. She is a strong advocate of the consumption of tea and cake in all circumstances.