Margaret Johnson Hodge is a British politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for over three decades. She was born on September 17, 1944, in Egypt, where her British parents were living at the time. Hodge later moved with her family to London, where she was raised and educated.
Hodge began her career as a social worker, working with disadvantaged children and families in some of London's poorest neighborhoods. She later entered politics, joining the Labour Party and being elected as a councillor in the London Borough of Islington in 1982. In 1994, she was elected as the MP for Barking, a working-class constituency in East London. She has held this seat ever since, and is currently the longest-serving female MP in the House of Commons.
Throughout her career, Hodge has been known for her strong commitment to social justice and her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents. She has fought for better education and healthcare for the people of Barking, and has worked to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, and discrimination.
One of Hodge's most notable accomplishments as an MP has been her work on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is responsible for scrutinizing the spending of government departments and agencies. As chair of the PAC from 2010 to 2015, Hodge was known for her tough and forensic approach, and she helped to expose a number of financial scandals and mismanagement within the government.
In addition to her work in Parliament, Hodge has also served as the Minister for Children, the Minister for Culture, Media, and Sport, and the Minister for Industry and the Regions. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her public service, including the Order of the British Empire and the Freedom of the City of London.
In conclusion, Margaret Johnson Hodge is a highly respected and influential politician who has made a significant contribution to British public life over the past three decades. Her tireless work on behalf of her constituents and her commitment to social justice have earned her the admiration of many, and she continues to be a powerful voice for change in the House of Commons.
