Penny Mordaunt - Speaker

The Rt. Hon. Penny Mordaunt is a former British Parliamentarian who served for 14 years, holding nine ministerial roles, four in Cabinet. She has played a central role in shaping international trade, defence, and civil resilience policy, making key contributions to national security, economic growth, and humanitarian efforts. She now works with global organisations to promote prosperity and security while supporting philanthropic initiatives that strengthen communities across the UK.

As Secretary of State for Defence, she was the first woman to hold the position, overseeing the nation’s defence strategy and operations. As Minister of State for International Trade, she led the UK's accession to CPTPP, negotiated economic agreements with US states, and played a key role in shaping trade policy. She was also responsible for the UK’s humanitarian and development efforts as Secretary of State for International Development. She led the rewrite of the UK’s civil contingencies and resilience strategy as Paymaster General.

She gained widespread recognition as Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, where she presided over key state moments, including the Accession Council following Queen Elizabeth II's death and King Charles III's coronation. Her public service extends beyond politics, as she is an Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy, having served as a reservist for a decade.

A bestselling author, she co-wrote Greater: Britain After the Storm, which won the Parliamentary Book Award for Best Non-Fiction by a Parliamentarian. Her forthcoming book, Pomp and Circumstance, explores the role of British traditions in shaping the nation's future. Beyond her political and literary work, she is committed to charitable projects supporting heritage preservation, disability inclusion, and music education.