Victoria Mary Atkins, the current Secretary of State for Health and Social Care since November 2023, brings a rich legacy of public service and leadership to her role.
Born on March 22, 1976, in London, she is the daughter of esteemed parents, Sir Robert Atkins and Lady Dulcie Atkins.
Lady Dulcie Atkins, Victoria’s mother, made her mark in Conservative politics, serving as a councillor and mayor. Meanwhile, Sir Robert Atkins, Victoria’s father, had a distinguished political career, representing the constituents of Preston North from 1979 to 1983 and later South Ribble from 1983 to 1997 in the House of Commons.
His commitment extended beyond national borders as he served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the North West England region from 1999 to 2014.
Her educational journey took her to the Arnold School, an independent co-educational institution in Blackpool, Lancashire. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she furthered her studies at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where she delved into the complexities of law. Victoria was called to the bar at Middle Temple in 1998, entering the legal profession as a barrister specializing in fraud cases in London.
Victoria Atkins has seamlessly merged her legal expertise with her commitment to public service. Her background, shaped by her family’s dedication to politics and public welfare, laid the foundation for her impressive career. As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, she holds a vital role in shaping the nation’s health policies and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.