Kitty Ussher, English economist and politician

Katharine Anne Ussher, born on March 18, 1971, is a prominent figure in British economics and public policy, known for her multifaceted career spanning government, think tanks, and the private sector. Currently serving as the chief economist at the Institute of Directors, Ussher's career trajectory is a testament to her expertise and influence, from her early days as an economist to her time as a Member of Parliament and Treasury minister, and her leadership roles in impactful research organizations like the Demos think tank.

Early Life and Economic Foundations

Born and raised in Britain, Katharine Anne Ussher embarked on her professional journey with a strong academic foundation in economics. Her keen understanding of economic principles quickly led her to a significant role as a macroeconomic forecaster at the Economist Intelligence Unit. This early experience honed her analytical skills and gave her a deep insight into global economic trends, preparing her for the high-stakes world of national policy-making and public service.

A Rising Star in Parliament

Ussher transitioned from economic analysis to active politics, successfully campaigning for the Burnley constituency. She was elected as a Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2005 general election, taking over from Peter Pike. Her arrival in Westminster marked the beginning of a rapid ascent through political ranks. Recognised as a "high flier" within her party, Ussher swiftly moved into government, first serving as a Special Advisor at the Department for Trade and Industry. By 2007, she was appointed as a minister in Gordon Brown's government, an impressive feat that saw her hold portfolios primarily at the Treasury, a central department for national economic management, and also at the Department for Work and Pensions. At the time, she was noted for being the second-youngest government minister and, notably, the youngest woman to hold a ministerial post, highlighting her promising career in British politics.

Navigating Political Challenges and Departure

However, Ussher's promising political career faced an unexpected challenge. In 2009, she became embroiled in the widely publicized United Kingdom parliamentary expenses scandal. Reports indicated that she had acted on advice from her accountants to reduce her capital gains tax liability. While not unique in the scandal, the scrutiny led to her resignation from her ministerial role. Subsequently, she chose not to contest the 2010 general election, citing a desire for a more normal family life while her children were young. This decision marked a significant turning point, as she stepped back from front-line parliamentary politics.

Post-Parliamentary Influence

Following her departure from Parliament, Katharine Anne Ussher continued to be a significant voice in public policy and economic discourse. Her career pivoted towards "thought leadership," leveraging her extensive experience in economics and government. She served as the Chief Executive of the influential Demos think tank, a non-partisan organization dedicated to generating new ideas and policy solutions. Later, she took on the role of Managing Director at Tooley Street Research, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in public policy analysis. Her expertise found a new home in August 2021 when she became the chief economist at the Institute of Directors, a prominent professional organization that supports and represents business leaders across the UK.

A Noteworthy Economic Forecast

One of Ussher's most notable recent contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, amidst widespread concerns about the economic fallout of the pandemic, she made a prediction that went against the grain of most expert opinion. She boldly asserted that unemployment would not see a significant rise following the conclusion of the government's coronavirus furlough scheme at the end of the subsequent month. At the time, this was a distinctly contrarian view, as many economists anticipated a sharp increase in job losses once government support ended. However, when the official Office for National Statistics (ONS) data was released four months later, Katharine Anne Ussher's prediction was unequivocally shown to be correct, solidifying her reputation for astute economic foresight and independent thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Katharine Anne Ussher

Who is Katharine Anne Ussher?

Katharine Anne Ussher is a distinguished British economist, former Labour Party MP for Burnley, and a former Treasury minister. She has also served as CEO of the Demos think tank and is currently the chief economist at the Institute of Directors.

When was Katharine Anne Ussher born?

Katharine Anne Ussher was born on March 18, 1971.

What was her role in Parliament?

She served as the Member of Parliament for Burnley from 2005 to 2010. During this time, she was also a minister in Gordon Brown's government, primarily at the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions, from 2007 to 2009.

Why did she resign from her ministerial post?

She resigned from her ministerial role in 2009 due to her involvement in the United Kingdom parliamentary expenses scandal, where it was reported she had taken steps to reduce her capital gains tax liability based on accountant advice.

What is her current professional role?

As of 2021, Katharine Anne Ussher is the chief economist at the Institute of Directors, a leading UK professional body for business leaders.

What is Katharine Anne Ussher known for in economics?

Beyond her early work as a macroeconomic forecaster, she gained notable recognition for her accurate prediction in August 2021 that unemployment would not rise following the end of the coronavirus furlough scheme, a forecast that diverged from most economic consensus at the time but proved correct.