Few public figures in Britain have stirred as much debate, admiration, and media attention as Edwina Currie. From her bold tenure in government to her controversial remarks about food safety, her best-selling books to her high-profile affair with a Prime Minister, Edwina Currie has never been far from headlines. Her story is one of ambition, resilience, reinvention—and unapologetic candor.
Often misspelled as “Edwina Curry,” she is a woman who’s made her mark across political, literary, and entertainment landscapes. In this in-depth article, we trace her political roots, personal life, media ventures, and answer questions like “How old is Edwina Currie?” and “What is Edwina Currie’s net worth?”
Early Life and Education
Edwina Currie was born on October 13, 1946, in Liverpool, England, into an Orthodox Jewish family. Her early academic years were marked by diligence and aspiration. She attended the Liverpool Institute High School for Girls, one of the most prestigious schools in the city at the time.
She later read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at St Anne’s College, Oxford—a classic degree for many future British politicians. Her academic journey didn’t end there; she earned a Master’s degree in Economic History from the London School of Economics (LSE). Her strong education laid the foundation for a sharp analytical mind and confident debating style.
Political Career: A Bold Conservative Voice
Edwina Currie’s political career began in local government as a Birmingham City Councillor from 1975 to 1986. She gained national prominence in 1983 when she was elected as the Conservative MP for South Derbyshire—a position she held until 1997.
Currie served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health from 1986 to 1988 under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. During this time, she was a vocal advocate for controversial policies, including improved sexual health education and increased awareness of HIV/AIDS—a subject that many politicians at the time avoided.
Her most notable political moment, however, was also her most controversial: the Edwina Currie eggs scandal.
The Salmonella Controversy: “Edwina Currie Eggs”
In 1988, Currie made a statement that would effectively end her ministerial career. She claimed that “most of the egg production in this country is infected with salmonella,” triggering national panic. Egg sales plummeted, farmers protested, and the government scrambled to manage the fallout.
The incident, now widely referred to as the “Edwina Currie eggs” controversy, forced her resignation from her ministerial post. In later years, government reports revealed that her concerns were not entirely unfounded, but the damage to her political career was irreversible.
Despite the scandal, Currie remained unapologetic, later saying that public health was more important than political survival.
John Major and Edwina Currie: A Secret Affair
In 2002, Edwina Currie made headlines again—this time not for politics, but for her personal life. In her published diaries, she revealed a four-year affair with John Major, who would later become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The affair, which took place between 1984 and 1988, occurred while both were married and serving as Conservative MPs. The revelation stunned the public and political establishment, especially as Major had cultivated a public image of moral rectitude.
The “John Major and Edwina Currie” affair became one of the most talked-about political scandals in modern British history, cementing Currie’s position as a fearless truth-teller, regardless of personal or professional cost.
Life Beyond Parliament: Writing and Media Career
After leaving Parliament in 1997, Currie successfully reinvented herself as a novelist, columnist, and TV personality.
She authored multiple novels including:
- “A Parliamentary Affair”
- “She’s Leaving Home”
- “Chasing Men”
- “This Honourable House”
Her works often delve into the world of politics, love, and ambition—thinly veiled fictionalizations of her own experiences.
Her non-fiction writing, particularly her diaries, provided an unfiltered look into the inner workings of Westminster, her affair with Major, and her own views on public life.
Currie also became a recognizable face on British television, appearing on:
- “Strictly Come Dancing”
- “Celebrity Mastermind”
- “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”
Through these appearances, she transformed from politician to full-fledged public personality.
Edwina Currie’s Personal Life: Husband and Daughter
Edwina Currie married Ray Currie, an accountant, in 1972. They had two daughters, including Debbie Currie, a TV presenter and businesswoman. If you’re searching “Edwina Currie daughter,” Debbie is the most publicly known child of hers.
Edwina and Ray separated in 1997 and later divorced. In 2001, she married John Jones, a retired detective. Tragically, John Jones passed away in 2020, leaving Edwina widowed.
So, to answer some common questions:
- Who was Edwina Currie’s husband?
➤ First: Ray Currie (divorced); Second: John Jones (deceased). - Does Edwina Currie have a daughter?
➤ Yes, most notably Debbie Currie.
How Old Is Edwina Currie?
Born in 1946, Edwina Currie is 78 years old as of 2025. Despite her age, she remains active in public discourse, frequently appearing on news panels, writing columns, and engaging with political debate on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Edwina Currie Net Worth
Estimates vary, but Edwina Currie’s net worth is believed to be around $2–4 million USD. Her income sources include:
- Royalties from her best-selling books
- Television appearances and reality shows
- Public speaking engagements
- Journalism and columns
Her financial stability is a testament to her adaptability and ability to remain relevant long after leaving Parliament.
Legacy and Influence
Edwina Currie remains a divisive yet respected figure in British political and media circles. She is admired for her outspokenness, resilience, and refusal to be boxed in by societal expectations—especially as a woman in a male-dominated political environment.
Her career has sparked important debates on public health, media ethics, women’s roles in government, and the intersection of private and public life.
While many remember her for the “eggs” controversy or the affair with John Major, her body of work and lasting influence tell a far richer story.
Final Thoughts from Newtly
At Newtly, we celebrate complex figures like Edwina Currie—individuals who are not afraid to defy norms, speak their minds, and evolve over time. Whether you admire her for her political tenacity, her honesty in memoir, or her bold media presence, there’s no denying she’s made a permanent mark on modern British history.
