Jess Phillips: Voice of the People, Powerhouse of Parliament

Introduction

In a world of carefully curated political personas, Jess Phillips has always stood out. Unapologetically outspoken and fiercely passionate, she’s a politician who brings raw honesty and emotional conviction to the often-sterile halls of Westminster. Representing Birmingham Yardley since 2015, Phillips is more than a Member of Parliament—she’s a staunch advocate for women’s rights, a campaigner against domestic violence, a mother, and a woman unafraid to speak uncomfortable truths.

This article explores her personal and professional journey, including who she is, her age and birthday, family, education, weight loss journey, net worth, and whether she’s still an MP today. We’ll also take a closer look at her husband, children, and her unique presence on social media.

Who Is Jess Phillips?

Jess Phillips was born Jessica Rose Phillips on 9 October 1981 in Birmingham, England. As of now, she is 43 years old. The youngest of four siblings, she grew up in a politically engaged family. Her father worked as a teacher and her mother was a senior administrator in the NHS. From a young age, Phillips was immersed in the values of public service and social justice.

Her political awakening began early—she joined the Labour Party at the age of 14. Although she briefly left the party over disagreements with major decisions like the Iraq War, she returned in 2010 and began a career trajectory that would see her rise quickly in British politics.

Education and Career Foundations

Phillips was educated at the King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. Later, she earned a BA in Economic and Social History with Social Policy from the University of Leeds, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Public Sector Management from the University of Birmingham. Her academic background focused on understanding systems, inequality, and societal impact—key themes that continue to define her political work.

Before becoming an MP, she worked for Women’s Aid, where she supported victims of domestic abuse. This experience left a lasting impression and influenced her relentless advocacy for women’s safety and welfare. She later served as a councillor in Birmingham and worked on policy issues related to violence prevention and social justice.

Jess Phillips in Parliament

Jess Phillips became the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley in 2015, standing out almost immediately due to her direct speaking style and unapologetically personal takes on sensitive topics. She gained attention during debates on women’s safety, mental health, and domestic violence, often sharing deeply personal anecdotes to bring humanity into the policy arena.

In Parliament, she has served on several committees and held roles related to safeguarding and violence prevention. In 2024, she was appointed as Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, a role many view as perfectly aligned with her lifelong mission.

Her voice is often the loudest in support of vulnerable groups, and she doesn’t shy away from holding her own party to account, making her a sometimes controversial but widely respected figure.

Is Jess Phillips Still an MP?

Yes. Jess Phillips is currently serving as the MP for Birmingham Yardley. In the 2024 General Election, she won re-election but with a narrowed majority—just 693 votes. The result was a sobering one for her, and she described it as the most challenging campaign of her political life. Nonetheless, she remains firmly in post, committed to continuing her work on women’s rights, community safety, and political reform.

Weight Loss and Personal Health Journey

Over the years, Jess Phillips has been candid about her physical and mental health. She has admitted to struggling with unhealthy habits while navigating the pressure of Westminster, swinging between periods of significant weight loss and gain.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adopted healthier routines, including running regularly and eating mindfully. These changes led to a weight loss of more than three stone (over 40 pounds). Importantly, she emphasizes that her transformation was not driven by aesthetics, but by a desire to feel better, move better, and cope better with the stresses of political life.

Her openness about body image, mental health, and self-care has resonated with many people, especially women who appreciate her realistic portrayal of juggling career, motherhood, and self-worth.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

As a high-profile MP and author, Jess Phillips’ net worth is estimated to be in the region of $2 million to $2.5 million. This includes her salary as an MP, income from public speaking, appearances on television and radio, and royalties from her books.

She has authored several bestsellers, including Everywoman: One Woman’s Truth About Speaking the Truth and Truth to Power, which detail her political journey, reflections on feminism, and guides for activism. These works have added to her public profile and financial stability, making her one of the more prominent voices in modern Labour politics.

Family Life: Husband and Children

Jess Phillips is married to Tom Phillips, a former lift engineer. The couple has two sons, Danny and Harry, and live in Birmingham. She has often spoken about the challenges of early motherhood, describing it as a deeply transformative but also overwhelming period in her life.

Her relationship with her husband and her sons is grounded in real-life struggles—work stress, grief, financial challenges, and juggling home life with demanding public roles. When her mother passed away in 2011, it deeply affected her, and she credits this personal loss with further fueling her desire to make a difference.

Social Media and Public Persona

Jess Phillips is an active voice on Twitter (now X), where she engages with constituents, media, and critics alike. Her social media presence is bold, opinionated, and often humorous—qualities that mirror her real-life approach.

She uses her platform to challenge abuse, misinformation, and political dishonesty, and has also spoken about the harassment she faces online. Despite the negativity, she remains committed to engaging with the public in a direct and authentic way.

Books and Media Appearances

Aside from her work in Parliament, Phillips has made regular appearances on political and current affairs shows. She’s been featured on programs like Question Time, Have I Got News For You, and Good Morning Britain. Her witty, no-nonsense persona often makes her a standout guest.

In addition, her published works explore themes of political courage, truth-telling, and fighting for the underdog. These books have expanded her influence beyond politics, positioning her as an advocate for grassroots activism and everyday resilience.

Final Thoughts

Jess Phillips has never fit the mould of a traditional MP. She’s more like someone you’d meet at the school gate—frank, relatable, sometimes abrasive, but always deeply committed to doing right by her community. Whether she’s exposing parliamentary sexism, confronting party leadership, or running miles to manage her stress, she remains one of the most authentic figures in British politics today.

Her journey—from local community worker to Minister for Safeguarding—is a powerful testament to what can happen when passion, pain, and politics intersect.

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