Who is Jonathan Gullis? Jonathan Gullis is a British politician and former teacher who made headlines as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Stoke-on-Trent North from 2019 to 2024. Born on January 9, 1990, in Salisbury, Gullis transitioned from a career in education to the political arena, where he became known for his outspoken views and controversial stances. His tenure included roles such as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for School Standards and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. Gullis's career has been marked by both achievements and controversies, making him a notable figure in contemporary British politics.
Key Takeaways:
- Jonathan Gullis, a former teacher turned politician, faced controversies and resignations during his career. He was appointed as a Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party in March 2024.
- Despite his unique journey to Parliament, Jonathan Gullis has faced public scrutiny and accusations, including his relationship with a convicted drugs boss. His career has been marked by both successes and challenges.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Gullis has a background that combines education and politics, making his journey to Parliament quite unique.
- Jonathan Edward Gullis was born on January 9, 1990, in Salisbury, England.
- He attended Princethorpe College, an independent school near Rugby.
- Gullis studied International Relations with Law at Oxford Brookes University.
Teaching Career
Before diving into politics, Gullis spent several years shaping young minds as a teacher.
- Gullis worked as a teacher from 2012 to 2019.
- He taught at Blackfen School for Girls from 2012 to 2015.
- From 2015 to 2016, he was at Ashlawn School.
- He then moved to Greenwood Academy, teaching there from 2016 to 2018.
- His last teaching position was at Fairfax Academy from 2018 to 2019.
- Gullis described his classroom personality as "a mixture of Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg."
- He earned the nickname "Grumpy Gullis" because he never smiled.
- At Fairfax Academy, he served as head of year, and the pupils were "probably happy to see me go," according to him.
Political Career
Gullis transitioned from teaching to politics, making significant strides in a short period.
- He was elected as the MP for Stoke-on-Trent North in the 2019 general election.
- Gullis unseated Labour's Ruth Smeeth, becoming the first Conservative to represent the constituency.
- In September 2022, he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for School Standards by Liz Truss.
- He was dismissed from this role shortly after Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister in October 2022.
- In March 2024, Gullis was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party.
Controversies and Public Perception
Gullis's career has not been without its share of controversies and public scrutiny.
- He compared his teaching experiences to boxing, emphasizing strategic planning and resilience.
- Gullis initially closed his Twitter account in 2020 but reopened it in November 2023.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, he apologized for his "poor choice of words" after criticizing media coverage of the pandemic.
- In October 2020, he voted against extending free school meals until Easter 2021.
- Gullis has praised schemes for getting disabled people into work, citing their benefits.
- He described Black Lives Matter as "a Marxist organisation that wants to abolish the nuclear family and defund the police."
- In January 2022, he defended not wearing a face covering in the Commons chamber.
- In May 2022, he criticized those opposing Home Office deportation flights, calling them "woke, wet and wobbly."
Resignation and Accusations
Gullis faced significant challenges, including resignations and accusations that tested his political career.
- He resigned as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on July 5, 2022.
- In May 2024, Gullis was accused of lying about his party's relationship with a convicted drugs boss, Yasser Hussain.
- Photos emerged showing Hussain socializing with Gullis at Conservative Party events.
- Labour accused Gullis of hypocrisy and betraying victims of drug crimes.
- Labour raised questions about Hussain’s role in the Conservative election campaign.
- Gullis’s claims that Hussain was not linked to the Tory Party were disputed by Labour.
Jonathan Gullis: A Controversial Figure in British Politics
Jonathan Gullis has had a rollercoaster career. From his days as a teacher to his time as MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, he's never been far from the spotlight. Known for his stern demeanor and conservative views, Gullis has made headlines for his outspoken opinions on education, social issues, and more. His stint as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for School Standards was brief but notable. Despite controversies, including his association with a convicted drug boss, Gullis remains a significant figure within the Conservative Party. His recent appointment as Deputy Chairman shows his continued influence. Whether you agree with his views or not, there's no denying that Jonathan Gullis has left a mark on British politics. His future may be uncertain, but his impact is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.