Luke Pollard MP
Biography
Luke Pollard MP was elected Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport in 2017. Born in Plymouth and the son of a submariner based in Devonport and a teacher at Marjon, he studied Politics at the University of Exeter before being elected president of the students’ union.
He has a background in business, working on major construction projects, and having worked for ITV, South West Water, Sainsbury’s, Edelman, and ABTA. He was also a Director for Field Consulting, where he advised firms in the rail, transport, and construction sectors, and worked on skyscrapers, football stadiums, and housing development projects.
After being elected to Parliament, he held various shadow briefs in opposition, including Shadow Environment Secretary, prior to joining government in July 2024 as Minister for the Armed Forces. He was appointed Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry in September 2025.
Luke is married to Sydney, lives in Plymouth, and enjoys wild swimming, watching Plymouth Argyle, and occasional bouts of gardening.
Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry)
- implementation of relevant SDR Vision and Recommendations
- oversight of the National Armaments Director Group
- departmental communications strategy and reform
- armed forces readiness and stockpiles
- Defence procurement, including reform and UK Defence Innovation
- submarine delivery
- Defence Industrial Strategy implementation and growth
- Defence Exports Campaign and Office
- Defence Readiness Bill
- Ukraine support - military aid and industrial partnerships, including HIRST and KINDRED
- Defence industry relationships and the Defence Industrial Joint Council
- acquisition reform/UK Defence Innovation
- climate change and sustainability
- Defence estates, accommodation and Defence Infrastructure Organisation
- artificial intelligence and innovation
- science and technology
- Defence Afghanistan Relocation and Assistance Programme (ARAP) including eligibility applications and asylum
- oversight of Parliamentary engagement