The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP
Member of Parliament for Reading West
Alok is very much a local Reading man, having grown up in Earley and Whitley Wood. He also went to school in Reading and lives in the area with his wife and two daughters. Prior to entering Parliament, Alok qualified as a chartered accountant and worked in the finance sector for 20 years. He has been the Member of Parliament for Reading West since 2010.
Over the years, Alok has successfully campaigned to deliver investment for local rail, road and flood defence projects by working with local residents and voluntary organisations. He has also supported local schools and parent groups to deliver new school places, as well as extra funding.
Alok has backed businesses to deliver new jobs and organised local business export seminars, helped deliver reductions in business rates for local firms and has campaigned for faster broadband.
Alok is a keen supporter of local charities, faith groups and volunteers across Reading and he continues to champion the excellent and selfless work they all do.
Alok has also served as a Government Minister for several years in a variety of roles, including: Housing Minister, Employment Minister, Secretary of State for International Development and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, as well as his current role as COP26 President.