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JUSTICE FOR ALL

Who is Munira Mirza and why did she quit Boris Johnson’s government?

MUNIRA MIRZA has quit her role as Boris Johnson's policy chief after disapproving of his 'slur' towards Keir Starmer.

Munira Mirza acted as the head of the No.10 policy making and was appointed to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in British society.

Munira Mirza, the Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit, will take charge of the PM's new Racial Equality Commission
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Munira Mirza, the Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit, will take charge of the PM's new Racial Equality CommissionCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who is Munira Mirza?

Ms Mirza was born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, to parents of Pakistani origin and had two older brothers and an older sister.

After studying at Breeze Hill School and Oldham Sixth Form College, she went to Oxford University, where she read English Literature at Mansfield College, graduating in 1999.

She then completed an MA in social research in 2004 and a PhD in sociology in 2009 at the University of Kent

After a string of jobs, including working at the Royal Society of Arts, she worked for Boris Johnson - then the Mayor of London.

She advised the Mayor on priorities for culture and education and led the delivery of key programmes, including £40m education and youth investment in London.

Munira Mirza previously worked under Johnson as Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture when he was Mayor of London.
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Munira Mirza previously worked under Johnson as Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture when he was Mayor of London.Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Why did Munira Mirza quit Boris Johnson's government?

Munira Mirza resigned hours after the Prime Minister remarks relating to Keir Starmer.

Munira Mirza informed the PM it was wrong for him to imply Starmer was "personally responsible" for failing to prosecute Jimmy Saville.

Munira claimed to have advised Mr Johnson to apologise but said "despite my urging you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave."

She stepped down from her role as Johnson's policy chief and explained it was too late

Is Munira Mirza married and does she have children?

Ms Mirza is married to Dougie Smith, a speechwriter for former Prime Minister David Cameron - and now works as an adviser and opposition strategist for Boris Johnson.

Together, the couple had a son in 2013.

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