British Heritage
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Carrie Johnson (Symonds)
Influence, Activism and Contribution to British Heritage.
Carrie Johnson, née Symonds, has navigated the intersections of politics, activism, and media throughout her life. This article seeks to shed light on the significant role she has played in British heritage, as an influential figure within the political and environmental realms, and as the wife of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Born Caroline Louise Bevan Symonds on 17th March 1988, her connection to journalism and politics goes back generations. The daughter of Matthew Symonds, co-founder of The Independent, and Josephine McAfee, a lawyer for the same newspaper, her lineage includes John Beavan, Baron Ardwick, a former editor of the Daily Herald and Labour Party MEP in the 1970s, and Anne Symonds, a BBC World Service journalist.
Symonds was raised by her mother in East Sheen, South West London. Between 1999 and 2006, she attended the independent Godolphin and Latymer School for girls. Pursuing higher education, she attended the University of Warwick, where she majored in Art History and Theatre Studies, earning her BA (Hons) degree in 2009.
Immediately after graduation, Symonds joined the Conservative Party as a press officer. Her influence began to grow as she worked at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters and later actively campaigned for Boris Johnson during the 2010 London Conservative Party mayoral selection. As a media special adviser, she served for Conservative Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid (Communities, Local Government and Housing Secretary) and John Whittingdale (Culture, Media and Sport Secretary).
Her career in the Conservative Party reached a pinnacle when she became the head of communications in 2018. Later that year, however, she left to serve as a senior advisor to Oceana, a prominent ocean conservation charity, marking her transition into environmental activism. This transition came amidst reports of Symonds being asked to leave her communications role due to alleged performance issues and questionable expenses claims. However, these allegations, cited from anonymous sources, were countered as part of a smear campaign allegedly initiated by Lynton Crosby, a political strategist.
Despite the controversies, Symonds's commitment to environmental causes continued to shine through. She accepted the position of Patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, further solidifying her role as an environmental advocate.
Symonds demonstrated immense courage when, at 19, she became one of the victims of taxi driver John Worboys, later convicted of multiple sexual assaults. She was one of the fourteen women who testified against him, waiving her anonymity and leading a campaign against his early release. This advocacy significantly contributed to a successful judicial review of the decision. Her bravery and activism in this situation have undoubtedly left a mark on the broader discourse around victims' rights and judicial processes.
Being in the public eye intensified when she began a relationship with Boris Johnson, then HM Foreign Secretary, in 2018. Upon his ascension to the position of Prime Minister in July 2019, Symonds made history as the first unmarried partner of a Prime Minister to reside at Downing Street.
She has been both lauded and criticized for her influence on the Prime Minister's decisions. Her commitment to environmental issues was spotlighted when the government rescinded a planned badger cull in Derbyshire, following her meeting with animal rights activists. Accusations of exerting undue influence over government decisions, particularly in relation to personnel appointments, have not been uncommon. However, these claims have been dismissed by several people, including Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who asserted that these allegations were exaggerated and potentially sexist.
Symonds has remained a steadfast figure amidst the political whirlwind, earning recognition from Politico Europe as one of the "disrupters" on its annual list of 28 people expected to shape Europe in 2023.
Symonds and Boris Johnson announced their engagement in February 2020. Their son, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, was born later that year in April. In May 2021, they held a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, marking their transition from partners to a married couple. The event was attended by a close circle of thirty guests, with Symonds adorning a bridal gown by Greek designer Christos Costarellos.
In July 2021, Symonds shared the news of her pregnancy and the pain of a previous miscarriage. Their daughter, Romy Iris Charlotte Johnson, was born on 9 December in London, bringing a new addition to the Johnson family.
Carrie Johnson’s influence, activism, and commitment have undeniably shaped the political and environmental discourse within the UK. Her courage in confronting personal traumas in the public eye, environmental advocacy, and role within the highest corridors of British power ensure her place in the annals of British heritage. As she navigates her public and personal life under the watchful gaze of the nation, her legacy continues to unfold.
Roots and Early Education
Born Caroline Louise Bevan Symonds on 17th March 1988, her connection to journalism and politics goes back generations. The daughter of Matthew Symonds, co-founder of The Independent, and Josephine McAfee, a lawyer for the same newspaper, her lineage includes John Beavan, Baron Ardwick, a former editor of the Daily Herald and Labour Party MEP in the 1970s, and Anne Symonds, a BBC World Service journalist.
Symonds was raised by her mother in East Sheen, South West London. Between 1999 and 2006, she attended the independent Godolphin and Latymer School for girls. Pursuing higher education, she attended the University of Warwick, where she majored in Art History and Theatre Studies, earning her BA (Hons) degree in 2009.
Professional Life and Activism
Immediately after graduation, Symonds joined the Conservative Party as a press officer. Her influence began to grow as she worked at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters and later actively campaigned for Boris Johnson during the 2010 London Conservative Party mayoral selection. As a media special adviser, she served for Conservative Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid (Communities, Local Government and Housing Secretary) and John Whittingdale (Culture, Media and Sport Secretary).
Her career in the Conservative Party reached a pinnacle when she became the head of communications in 2018. Later that year, however, she left to serve as a senior advisor to Oceana, a prominent ocean conservation charity, marking her transition into environmental activism. This transition came amidst reports of Symonds being asked to leave her communications role due to alleged performance issues and questionable expenses claims. However, these allegations, cited from anonymous sources, were countered as part of a smear campaign allegedly initiated by Lynton Crosby, a political strategist.
Despite the controversies, Symonds's commitment to environmental causes continued to shine through. She accepted the position of Patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, further solidifying her role as an environmental advocate.
Courage in the Face of Trauma
Symonds demonstrated immense courage when, at 19, she became one of the victims of taxi driver John Worboys, later convicted of multiple sexual assaults. She was one of the fourteen women who testified against him, waiving her anonymity and leading a campaign against his early release. This advocacy significantly contributed to a successful judicial review of the decision. Her bravery and activism in this situation have undoubtedly left a mark on the broader discourse around victims' rights and judicial processes.
Navigating Personal Life in Public View
Being in the public eye intensified when she began a relationship with Boris Johnson, then HM Foreign Secretary, in 2018. Upon his ascension to the position of Prime Minister in July 2019, Symonds made history as the first unmarried partner of a Prime Minister to reside at Downing Street.
She has been both lauded and criticized for her influence on the Prime Minister's decisions. Her commitment to environmental issues was spotlighted when the government rescinded a planned badger cull in Derbyshire, following her meeting with animal rights activists. Accusations of exerting undue influence over government decisions, particularly in relation to personnel appointments, have not been uncommon. However, these claims have been dismissed by several people, including Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who asserted that these allegations were exaggerated and potentially sexist.
Symonds has remained a steadfast figure amidst the political whirlwind, earning recognition from Politico Europe as one of the "disrupters" on its annual list of 28 people expected to shape Europe in 2023.
From Engagement to Marriage
Symonds and Boris Johnson announced their engagement in February 2020. Their son, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, was born later that year in April. In May 2021, they held a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, marking their transition from partners to a married couple. The event was attended by a close circle of thirty guests, with Symonds adorning a bridal gown by Greek designer Christos Costarellos.
In July 2021, Symonds shared the news of her pregnancy and the pain of a previous miscarriage. Their daughter, Romy Iris Charlotte Johnson, was born on 9 December in London, bringing a new addition to the Johnson family.
Carrie Johnson’s influence, activism, and commitment have undeniably shaped the political and environmental discourse within the UK. Her courage in confronting personal traumas in the public eye, environmental advocacy, and role within the highest corridors of British power ensure her place in the annals of British heritage. As she navigates her public and personal life under the watchful gaze of the nation, her legacy continues to unfold.
- Carrie Johnsonen.wikipedia.org
