Christopher Ian Brian Mynott Philp is a British politician, also known as Chris Philp currently serving as Shadow Home Secretary (as of November 2024). He combines a background in entrepreneurship and finance with a steady parliamentary career making him a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in UK politics.
Quick Facts
| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Ian Brian Mynott Philp |
| Age | 49 (born 6 July 1976) |
| DOB | 6 July 1976 |
| Net Worth | Estimated ~ £3 million (see breakdown below) |
| Spouse / Partner | Wife — Elizabeth Philp (married 2009) |
| Source of Wealth | Shareholdings in property-finance firms (e.g., Pluto Finance), businesses, property assets, parliamentary salary |
| Education | MPhys, Physics — University College, Oxford |
Early Life & Origin Story
Chris Philp was born on 6 July 1976 in West Wickham, England. He attended St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington, a selective grammar school that played a central role in shaping his academic path.
He later studied Physics at University College, Oxford, graduating with an MPhys in 1997.
A significant turning point occurred during his time at Oxford. While in his second year, he was fined and suspended by the student union for recording and selling a controversial speech by O. J. Simpson to newspapers. The episode marked an early brush with public scrutiny and highlighted the ambitious, risk-taking tendencies that would reappear throughout his career.
This combination of academic training, early controversy, and entrepreneurial interest eventually guided him toward both business and public service.
Career & Rise to Fame
Before entering full-time politics, Philp built a career through several entrepreneurial ventures and advisory roles.
Key career milestones include:
- Early work at McKinsey & Company, where he developed analytical and strategic skills.
- Co-founding Blueheath Holdings in 2000, a distribution business later floated on the AIM market. Blueheath eventually executed a reverse takeover of Booker Group, in a deal that helped shape Booker’s emergence as a major UK wholesaler.
- Founding and developing the Pluto Finance group of companies (including Pluto Partners LLP and related entities), which focused on large-scale property lending and development finance. His holdings in these firms remain one of his primary financial assets.
Philp entered Parliament in 2015 as MP for Croydon South. Over time, he rose through ministerial ranks, holding roles including:
- Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Home Office
- Chief Secretary to the Treasury
- Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
- Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire
- Shadow Home Secretary (appointed November 2024)
His rise reflects a blend of policy fluency, strong ideological positioning, and willingness to engage in contentious political debates.
What is Chris Philp’s Net Worth?
Chris Philp’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately £3 million.
Breakdown of Known Wealth Indicators
- Equity in Pluto Finance–related firms: Philp has declared significant shareholdings (over 15%) in multiple Pluto-branded LLPs via MP financial disclosures.
- Property holdings: Known to own or co-own property assets through various business entities.
- Past business exits: Blueheath’s flotation and subsequent Booker transaction contributed to long-term wealth.
- Parliamentary salary & allowances: Standard MP compensation, ministerial salaries (when applicable), and related earnings.
Note: No verified Forbes-style valuation exists. Estimates are based on public disclosures, business history, and asset reporting.
Personal Life & Relationships
Chris Philp has been married to Elizabeth Philp since 2009. The couple has children, though details are generally kept private.
Search interest in his personal life often centers on marital status, family background, and how his entrepreneurial responsibilities influence his public duties. Public records portray a stable family life with minimal media exposure.
Controversies
Chris Philp has been associated with several controversies during his career. These include:
- Financial interest scrutiny: He was accused of holding potential conflicts of interest due to his shareholdings in property-finance firms while serving in Treasury and Home Office roles.
- Policing and immigration statements: Philp has been criticised for remarks on crime, immigration, and public order, particularly during his tenure as Minister for Crime and Policing.
- Oxford disciplinary event: As noted earlier, he was disciplined as a student for selling a recording of a controversial speech.
All issues have been widely covered in mainstream media, though none resulted in legal penalties.
FAQs
Who is Chris Philp?
Chris Philp is a British Conservative politician, entrepreneur, and MP for Croydon South since 2015.
Who is the father of Chris Philp MP?
Chris Philp’s father is Brian Philp, a former engineer.
What is Chris Philp’s net worth?
Chris Philp’s estimated net worth is around £3 million as of 2025.
What is Chris Philp’s current role?
Chris Philp currently serves as the Shadow Home Secretary.
Where was Chris Philp born?
He was born in West Wickham, England.
What is Chris Philp’s education?
Chris Philp holds an MPhys in Physics from University College, Oxford.
Is Chris Philp married?
Yes, Chris Philp is married to Elizabeth Philp.
Does Chris Philp have children?
Yes, Chris Philp has two children.
What political party is Chris Philp in?
Chris Philp is a member of the Conservative Party.
When did Chris Philp become an MP?
Chris Philp became an MP in 2015, representing Croydon South.
What businesses is Chris Philp involved in?
He is associated with Pluto Finance and previously co-founded Blueheath Holdings.