Profile: Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary

Friday 08 July 2011 10:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

She looks like she means business

That's right, she ain't just Mrs Balls matey. Yvette Cooper has long been regarded as a rising star in the Labour party and her steady rise to prominence seemed to hit tipping point yesterday when she led her party in the News of the World hacking debate. Commentators on Twitter pointed out how glum Ed Miliband looked as his colleague exuded leadership quality and charisma.

Yeah, but she wasn't always this good...

True, the shadow Home Secretary has been prone to the odd gaffe. Last year she was caught passing a note to a colleague in a press conference where she commented on the "second division" level of reporters present. Many also thought she was cowardly for not standing against her husband in the last leadership election. But judging by the Miliband familial warfare, it was probably shrewd.

But won't her hubby block her path to power in the future?

Possibly, but let's not forget Mr Balls has more history. He's run for leader, he's lost, he's backed an unpopular PM and taken an unrelenting stance against Coalition economic plans.

So a female leader of the Labour Party?

It's Ed Miliband's position to lose. But certainly the Balls/Coopers could be Britain's answer to the Clintons.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in