Ross Kempsell: Former Stevenage Schoolboy Joins House of Lords as Life Peer
In a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy, Ross Kempsell, a former student from Stevenage , has taken a seat in the prestigious House of Lords as a life peer. The announcement was made as part of Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list, an event that has been met with mixed reactions.
Kempsell, now 31 years old, attended the John Henry Newman School in Stevenage before pursuing his academic journey at the esteemed Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, where he graduated with a double first. His academic prowess was quickly followed by a successful career in journalism. Kempsell started his career at the Stevenage-based newspaper, the Comet, before joining the right-wing political website Guido Fawkes. In 2018, he took on the role of political editor at Talk Radio and conducted a memorable interview with Boris Johnson, during which the former prime minister shared his hobby of making models of buses.
Following his tenure at Talk Radio, Kempsell became a special adviser to the Johnson government in 2019 , leveraging his vast political knowledge and experience. In 2020, he joined Times Radio as a special correspondent before taking on the role of political director at Conservative campaign headquarters. Finally, after Boris Johnson stepped down as prime minister, Kempsell became his spokesperson.
At just 31 years old, Kempsell is one of the youngest life peers in recent history. His appointment to the House of Lords has raised eyebrows, particularly given the controversy surrounding Boris Johnson’s honours list. Critics argue that the list is heavily biased towards his own political party, and many of the nominations have been rejected by the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC).
Kempsell’s elevation to the House of Lords not only highlights his remarkable achievements but also represents a significant milestone for Stevenage. He follows in the footsteps of Baroness Taylor, a Labour peer, who joined the House of Lords just last year. With their representation in the upper chamber, Stevenage is making a name for itself in the political landscape.
As Baron Kempsell of Letchworth , Ross Kempsell will contribute his knowledge and expertise to the legislative proceedings of the House of Lords. While his appointment may be controversial, it undoubtedly reflects the unique and diverse paths individuals can take in their pursuit of public service. Only time will tell what impact Kempsell and his peers will have on the future of British politics.