History of Kwasi Kwarteng in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

Akwasi Addo Alfred Kwarteng is a British Conservative politician who held prominent positions in the UK government. He briefly served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2022 under Prime Minister Liz Truss and was Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2021 to 2022 under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He has been a Member of Parliament representing Spelthorne since 2010.

May 1975: Birth of Kwasi Kwarteng

Kwasi Kwarteng was born in May 1975 in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

1988: Kwasi Kwarteng Wins Harrow History Prize

Kwasi Kwarteng won the Harrow History Prize in 1988 while attending Colet Court, an independent preparatory school in London.

1993: Begins Studies at Trinity College, Cambridge

Kwasi Kwarteng began his studies in classics and history at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1993.

1995: Victory on University Challenge and Continued Academic Success

In 1995, Kwasi Kwarteng was part of the team that won the BBC quiz show University Challenge. He also continued to excel academically, winning the Browne Medal twice.

2000: Completion of PhD in Political History

Kwasi Kwarteng earned his PhD degree in political history from the University of Cambridge in 2000. His thesis focused on the recoinage crisis of 1695–97.

2005: First Candidacy for Parliament

Kwasi Kwarteng ran for Parliament for the first time in 2005 in the constituency of Brent East, finishing in third place.

2006: Chairman of the Bow Group and Potential First Black Conservative Cabinet Minister

Kwasi Kwarteng served as the chairman of the conservative think tank Bow Group in 2006. The Times suggested he could become the first black Conservative cabinet minister.

2008: Unsuccessful Run for London Assembly

Kwasi Kwarteng was a candidate for the London Assembly in 2008 but was not elected.

January 2010: Elected as MP for Spelthorne

Kwasi Kwarteng was elected as the Member of Parliament for Spelthorne in January 2010.

2010: Elected as MP for Spelthorne

Kwasi Kwarteng was elected as the Member of Parliament for Spelthorne in 2010.

March 2011: Declaration of Consultancy Work for Odey Asset Management

In March 2011, Kwasi Kwarteng declared his consultancy work for Odey Asset Management in the House of Commons Register of Members' Financial Interests.

October 2011: Abstention on the EU Referendum Bill

Kwasi Kwarteng abstained from voting on the backbench EU Referendum Bill in October 2011.

2011: Publication of "Ghosts of Empire" and "Gridlock Nation"

Kwasi Kwarteng authored "Ghosts of Empire" and co-authored "Gridlock Nation" with Jonathan Dupont, both published in 2011. "Ghosts of Empire" explores the legacy of the British Empire, while "Gridlock Nation" examines traffic congestion in Britain.

2011: Publication of "After the Coalition"

Kwasi Kwarteng co-authored the book "After the Coalition", which was published in 2011.

August 2012: Co-Authorship of "Britannia Unchained"

In August 2012, Kwasi Kwarteng co-authored the book "Britannia Unchained" with four other Conservative MPs, including Liz Truss. The book advocates for a significant reduction of the welfare state, proposing a return to the contributory principle where benefits are directly tied to contributions.

2012: Publication of "Britannia Unchained"

Kwasi Kwarteng co-authored the book "Britannia Unchained", which was published in 2012.

2013: Criticism of the Help to Buy Scheme

In 2013, Kwasi Kwarteng criticized the Help to Buy housing scheme, calling it "inflationary."

2014: Publication of "War and Gold: A Five-Hundred-Year History of Empires, Adventures and Debt"

Kwasi Kwarteng's book "War and Gold: A Five-Hundred-Year History of Empires, Adventures and Debt" was published in 2014. The book explores the history of capital and the impact of money and speculation on societies.

2015: Kwasi Kwarteng: A Rising Star in the Conservative Party

By 2015, Kwasi Kwarteng was recognized as a rising star within the Conservative Party.

2015: Re-election as MP for Spelthorne

Kwasi Kwarteng was re-elected as the MP for Spelthorne in the 2015 general election.

2015: Publication of "Thatcher's Trial: Six Months That Defined a Leader"

Kwasi Kwarteng's book "Thatcher's Trial: Six Months That Defined a Leader" was published in 2015.

2016: Support for Brexit

Kwasi Kwarteng supported the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in the 2016 referendum.

2017: Re-election and Appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary

Kwasi Kwarteng was re-elected as MP for Spelthorne in the 2017 general election and was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond.

November 2018: Appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

In November 2018, Theresa May appointed Kwasi Kwarteng as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.

November 2018: Appointment as Minister in the Department for Exiting the EU

Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed as a minister in the Department for Exiting the EU in November 2018.

July 2019: Appointment as Minister of State and Privy Council Member

Following Boris Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in July 2019. He was also appointed to the Privy Council on the same day.

September 2019: Kwasi Kwarteng's Controversial Comments on Judges

In September 2019, Kwasi Kwarteng made controversial comments suggesting that judges were biased against Boris Johnson's prorogation of parliament. These comments drew criticism from opposition MPs and legal professionals.

December 2019: Marriage to Harriet Edwards

In December 2019, Kwasi Kwarteng married Harriet Edwards, a City solicitor.

2019: Support for Boris Johnson's Leadership Bid

Kwasi Kwarteng supported Boris Johnson's campaign to become the leader of the Conservative Party in 2019.

2019: Re-election with Increased Vote Share and Majority

Kwasi Kwarteng was re-elected as MP for Spelthorne in the 2019 general election, securing a larger vote share and majority.

January 2021: Appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in January 2021, replacing Alok Sharma.

March 2021: Dissolution of the Industrial Strategy Council and Meeting with Oil Industry Leaders

In March 2021, Kwasi Kwarteng faced criticism for dissolving the Industrial Strategy Council, an advisory group focused on revitalizing British regions. Additionally, he met with oil industry executives following the COP26 climate summit to encourage continued North Sea drilling.

August 2021: Start of the UK Energy Crisis

The UK energy crisis began in August 2021, marked by high European wholesale natural gas prices that led to the collapse of smaller energy suppliers.

September 2021: Escalation of the UK Energy Crisis

In September 2021, the UK fuel supply crisis reached a critical point, causing widespread disruption to road fuel distribution. Kwasi Kwarteng's assurances and refusal to bail out failing companies drew criticism from opposition figures like Ed Miliband.

November 2021: Apology to Emma Stone

Kwasi Kwarteng issued a formal apology to Emma Stone in November 2021 for remarks he made that were perceived as questioning her competence in her role.

2021: Appointment as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

In 2021, Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy under Boris Johnson. In this role, he committed to cutting global emissions to combat climate change.

2021: Birth of Daughter

Kwasi Kwarteng and Harriet Edwards welcomed their daughter in 2021.

January 2022: Purchase of a House in Greenwich

In January 2022, Kwasi Kwarteng purchased a house in Greenwich.

January 2022: Trip to Saudi Arabia and Hospitality from Saudi Aramco

Kwasi Kwarteng's January 2022 trip to Saudi Arabia, during which he accepted flights and hospitality from Saudi Aramco, sparked controversy. Critics questioned the ethical implications of accepting gifts from a state-owned energy company with a controversial human rights record.

April 2022: Reversal of National Insurance Increase

As part of the "Growth Plan 2022", Kwasi Kwarteng's plan included the reversal of the increase in National Insurance that had been implemented earlier in April 2022.

September 2022: Appointment as Chancellor and Announcement of "The Growth Plan 2022"

Kwasi Kwarteng made history in September 2022 as the first black Chancellor of the Exchequer, appointed by Prime Minister Liz Truss. His tenure was marked by the controversial "Growth Plan 2022," a mini-budget that included significant tax cuts and economic reforms, introduced without a forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

September 2022: Condemnation of Statue Removals and Criticism of Views on British History

Kwasi Kwarteng sparked debate with his condemnation of the removal of statues and monuments associated with the British Empire, labeling them as "acts of vandalism." He argued for a more nuanced understanding of British history, which led to accusations of downplaying the impacts of colonialism and slavery. This culminated in a Labour MP's suspension for using a racial slur against him.

October 2022: Abandonment of the 45% Tax Rate Cut and Defense of Economic Policies

Facing criticism, Kwasi Kwarteng announced in October 2022 that the government would not proceed with the plan to eliminate the 45% higher rate of income tax for those earning over £150,000 annually. Despite acknowledging "turbulence" following his mini-budget, he defended his economic policies and asserted his intention to remain as chancellor.

October 2022: Kwasi Kwarteng's Short Tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer

Kwasi Kwarteng served as Chancellor of the Exchequer for a brief period in October 2022 under Liz Truss. His time in office was marked by controversy surrounding his mini-budget, which led to his dismissal after only 38 days.

November 2022: Warning to Liz Truss and Reflections on the "Mini-Budget"

Following Liz Truss's resignation, Kwasi Kwarteng revealed that he had cautioned her about the rapid pace of her economic reforms. He expressed regret over being "too impatient" with the mini-budget and acknowledged the lack of consideration for its potential consequences.

December 2022: Public Acknowledgement of Impatience and Lack of Subtlety in Economic Policies

In December 2022, Kwasi Kwarteng publicly admitted to being "too impatient" regarding the mini-budget. He confessed that there was a lack of "tactical subtlety" and that both he and Liz Truss got "carried away." He highlighted the rushed nature of their approach, which prevented them from fully assessing the economic and political ramifications of their policies.

2022: Appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Subsequent Dismissal

Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2022 by Liz Truss, becoming the first black chancellor. However, his tenure was short-lived due to criticism surrounding his mini-budget, which led to his dismissal after 38 days.

April 2023: Planned Tax Cuts and Economic Reforms

Kwasi Kwarteng's "Growth Plan 2022" included a reduction in the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 19%, effective April 2023.

February 2024: Announcement of Decision Not to Seek Re-Election

In February 2024, Kwasi Kwarteng made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election as a Member of Parliament in the upcoming general election.