Edward Michael Balls, widely recognized as Ed Balls, has traversed a multifaceted journey from the corridors of political power to the vibrant world of media and academia. Born on February 25, 1967, in Norwich, Norfolk, England,Ed Balls has worn many hats: economist, politician, broadcaster, and writer. His career reflects a blend of public service, intellectual pursuit, and media engagement, making him a prominent figure in contemporary British society.
Early Life and Education
Ed Balls was born to Michael Balls, a zoologist, and Carolyn Janet Riseborough. Raised in Norwich and later in Nottinghamshire, he attended Crossdale Drive Primary School and the private Nottingham High School. Demonstrating early academic promise, Balls pursued Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Keble College, Oxford, graduating with a First-Class degree. He furthered his studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government as a Kennedy Scholar, specializing in Economics.
Early Career: Economist and Adviser
Between 1988 and 1990, Balls served as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University. He then joined the Financial Times in 1990 as a lead economic writer. His analytical prowess caught the attention of the Labour Party, and in 1994, he became an economic adviser to Shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown. When Labour came to power in 1997, Balls continued his advisory role, eventually becoming the Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury.
Parliamentary Career
In 2005, Balls transitioned from behind-the-scenes roles to frontline politics, elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Normanton. Following boundary changes, he served as MP for Morley and Outwood from 2010 to 2015. During his parliamentary tenure, Balls held several significant positions:
- Economic Secretary to the Treasury (2006–2007): In this junior ministerial role, he worked on financial services and economic policy.
- Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (2007–2010): Under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Balls oversaw education and children’s services, introducing the Children’s Plan and raising the education leaving age to 18.
- Shadow Home Secretary (2010–2011): After Labour’s 2010 electoral defeat, Balls served in the Shadow Cabinet, focusing on domestic security and policing.
- Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (2011–2015): As the principal economic spokesperson for the opposition, he critiqued government fiscal policies and proposed alternative economic strategies.
Controversies and Challenges
Balls’s political career was not without controversy. In 2011, the “Ed Balls document leak” revealed internal Labour Party communications suggesting his involvement in a plan, dubbed “Project Volvo,” to prompt Prime Minister Tony Blair’s resignation in favor of Gordon Brown. Balls maintained that the documents pertained to ensuring a stable leadership transition.
Post-Political Endeavors
After losing his parliamentary seat in 2015, Balls diversified his career:
- Academia: He became a Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School and a Visiting Professor at King’s College London. In 2020, he was appointed Professor of Political Economy at King’s College.
- Broadcasting: Balls embraced media, presenting documentaries like “Travels in Trumpland with Ed Balls” (2018) and “Travels in Euroland with Ed Balls” (2020), exploring political sentiments in the US and Europe. He also co-hosts the podcast “Political Currency” with former Chancellor George Osborne.
- Entertainment: In 2016, Balls participated in “Strictly Come Dancing,” gaining popularity for his enthusiastic performances. He won “Celebrity Best Home Cook” in 2021, showcasing his culinary skills.
- Sports Administration: A lifelong Norwich City fan, Balls served as the club’s chairman from 2015 to 2018, contributing his economic expertise to the football world.
Personal Life
Ed Balls is married to Yvette Cooper, a prominent Labour MP and former Cabinet minister. The couple, who married in 1998, have three children. They made history as the first married couple to serve together in the UK Cabinet when Cooper became Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2008.
Balls has been open about his experiences with a stammer, becoming a patron of the British Stammering Association and advocating for greater awareness and support for individuals with speech difficulties.
Publications
Balls has authored two books:
- “Speaking Out: Lessons in Life and Politics” (2016): A memoir reflecting on his political career and personal experiences.
- “Appetite: A Memoir in Recipes of Family and Food” (2021): Combining personal anecdotes with family recipes, this book delves into Balls’s love for cooking and its role in his life.
Ed Balls’s journey from economic adviser to politician, and subsequently to media personality and academic, underscores his versatility and resilience. His ability to navigate diverse spheres—politics, academia, broadcasting, and entertainment—reflects a commitment to public engagement and personal growth. Whether analyzing economic policies, dancing on national television, or exploring political sentiments abroad, Balls continues to contribute to public discourse in multiface.