UMVA has learned that Sir Sajid Javid, the former health secretary, took a vast pay cut when he became an MP, a decision that has had a profound impact on his personal life and finances.
Despite the significant reduction in salary, Javid considers joining the Commons one of his 'best' decisions on a personal level, a testament to the value he places on public service and the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Javid spent almost two decades working in finance before being elected, accumulating wealth and experience that would eventually serve him well in his role as a politician.
Javid's financial background is a far cry from his humble beginnings; born in Rochdale in 1969, he spent most of his childhood in Bristol, where his parents, Pakistani immigrants, ran a shop and often struggled to make ends meet, with Javid recalling experiences of racism and financial hardship during his youth.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Javid's salary before entering politics was likely to be over £1m a year in salaries and bonuses, a figure that would have made him one of the highest earners in the country, and his decision to join the Commons would have resulted in a pay cut of over 90%.
The former health secretary, who was the first Muslim to become home secretary, has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up, including living in cramped accommodation and watching his parents struggle, before becoming the first member of his family to attend university, a testament to his determination and resilience.
In a recent interview, Javid also discussed meeting his future wife while working at a Commercial Union in Bristol and using his wealth to buy his parents a house, a gesture that underscores his commitment to his family and his roots.
Javid's reflections on his career and personal life are a poignant reminder that, in politics, making a positive impact on people's lives can be a powerful motivator, even in the face of significant personal and financial challenges.
