Victoria Atkins was named as the UK's new health secretary on November 13, 2023, following a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She is married to Paul Kenward, a businessman who specializes in food products. Here's what we know about him.
Paul Kenward: A British businessman
Paul Kenward is a British businessman who is currently the chief executive of ABF Sugar, one of the world's largest sugar companies. He was formerly the managing director of British Sugar. Kenward also holds a director role at several other companies, including Pride Oils and Westmill Foods. Born in 1973, he was educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and served as the president of the Oxford Union for a term in 1996.
Headlines: Cannabis farm and controversy
Kenward made headlines in 2018 when it was revealed that he ran a legal cannabis farm in Wissington, Norfolk. The farm grows a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis intended for use in children's epilepsy medicine. This revelation caused controversy as Atkins, his wife, had been staunchly against the use of cannabis for many years. As a result, she was banned from discussing cannabis-related matters in Parliament.
Their son Monty
Victoria Atkins and Paul Kenward have one son named Monty. While it is unclear what year Monty was born, he is believed to be 11 years old in 2023. The family enjoys spending their spare time together, often building sandcastles on the Lincolnshire coastline and going for walks in the Wolds.
Victoria Atkins as UK Health Secretary
Atkins was appointed as the UK Health Secretary in November 2023, following the cabinet reshuffle by Rishi Sunak. She replaced Steve Barclay in this role, who was demoted to Environment Secretary. Previously a Treasury minister, Atkins will now oversee UK health policies. Other notable changes in the cabinet included the sacking of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary and the appointment of James Cleverly as her replacement. Former Prime Minister David Cameron also returned to politics, taking on the role of Foreign Secretary.
Atkins' political career
Victoria Atkins has been a Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle since May 2015. She was re-elected in 2017 and 2019. In 2017, she was appointed to the Home Office and later resigned from her role as Justice Minister in 2019 due to concerns with the leadership of the Conservative Party.
