Jonathan Shaw MP
Minister for Disabled People and Minister for the South East
Jonathan Shaw was appointed Minister for Disabled People in October 2008 in the Department for Work and Pensions. Prior to this he was a Parliamentary Under Secretary at Defra where his responsibilities covered marine and fisheries, landscape, inland waterways, rural affairs and local environment quality.
He is also the regional minister for the South East. In this role he represents regional interests in the formulation of central government policy, acts as a champion for the region and facilitates a joined up approach across government.
During his commons career Jonathan has been PPS to Ruth Kelly as SoS for Education and Skills 2005-06. He was also an Assistant Government Whip 2006-07 before joining Defra. Jonathan has also been a member of the Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee from 1997-2001 before joining the Education and Skills Select Committee 2001-05.
Previously, Jonathan worked with Kent County Council in child protection, adoption, fostering and children leaving care. Jonathan became local councillor in 1993 representing Chatham and Aylesford.
After completing a course in social care and working as a care assistant for adults with learning disabilities, Jonathan qualified as a social worker in 1990. After attending local state schools his first job was as a fruit picker on Kent farms.
Jonathan was born in Aylesford in 1966 and is married with two school age children. The family live in Snodland.