Who Is Ed Balls? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ed Balls is a prominent British broadcaster and politician, born on February 25, 1967. As of 2025, he is 58 years old. Renowned for his engaging personality and political acumen, Balls has carved a niche for himself in the media industry. He served as the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and has been an influential figure within the Labour Party. Following his parliamentary career, he transitioned into broadcasting, hosting various shows that focus on politics and current affairs.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1967 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Norwich, Norfolk, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Ed Balls's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ed Balls maintains a balanced and healthy lifestyle, reflective of his dedication to personal well-being. Though exact figures can vary, Ed stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 176 pounds (80 kg). His body measurements are not extensively documented, but he is often regarded for his approachable, down-to-earth style.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ed Balls is married to his longtime partner, Yvette Cooper, who is also a prominent politician. The couple has been together for many years and shares three children. Despite their public lives, they tend to keep their family life relatively private, focusing on their careers while supporting one another's endeavors. As of 2025, Ed has remained faithful and committed to his family, with no publicly known boyfriends or extramarital involvements.
Balls' father is zoologist Michael Balls; his mother is Carolyn Janet Riseborough. His younger brother is Andrew Balls, the CIO for Global Fixed Income at the investment firm PIMCO. His grandfather was a lorry driver and died of cancer when Balls was young.
His father, in Norfolk, was active in the local Labour party, delivering leaflets, and was chairman of the Campaign for the Advancement of Norfolk Education – CANE.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ed Balls' net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His financial success stems not only from his political career but also from his work in broadcasting, public speaking, and other media engagements. His salary as a television personality, along with royalties from his written works and public appearances, contribute significantly to his wealth.
In December 2008, following the case of the Death of Baby P, Balls intervened directly in the running of Haringey Social Services, ordering the immediate dismissal, without compensation, of Sharon Shoesmith the director of children's services. David Cameron had also called for her dismissal.
Career, Business, and Investments
After a successful political career, Ed Balls made a smooth transition into broadcasting. He has appeared on several television programs, including "Strictly Come Dancing," where his energetic performances won him a new fan following. Additionally, Ed has engaged in several business ventures, notably in media and consultancy roles. He has also been involved in educational initiatives and policy discussions, leveraging his expertise in economics and social justice.
Following his electoral defeat, he became a senior fellow at Harvard University Kennedy School's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, and a visiting professor to the Policy Institute at King's College London. He was appointed chairman of Norwich City F.C. in December 2015, a position he held until December 2018.
In 2020, he was appointed Professor of Political Economy at King's College London. Balls was a contestant on series 14 of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, surviving until week 10, and in 2021 was the winner in the BBC's Celebrity Best Home Cook.
He is currently a presenter for the ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain as well as a host of the politics podcast Political Currency with George Osborne.
Social Network
Ed Balls is quite active on social media, engaging with his followers on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. He shares insights on political affairs, personal experiences, and snippets of his family life. By connecting with the public, he has built a robust online presence that enhances his profile as a commentator and thought leader.
When Gordon Brown became Prime Minister on 27 June 2007, Balls was promoted to Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. At the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Balls brought together schools and children's policy for the first time in the Children's Plan and raised the UK education and training leaving age to 18.
In 2007 Balls was considered to be given the post of Chancellor, but the role was given to Alistair Darling.
Education
Ed Balls attended Keble College, Oxford, where he received his degree in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). He later furthered his education at Harvard University, earning a Master's degree. This strong educational background has significantly contributed to his career in politics and media, providing him with a unique perspective on economic and social issues.
Balls attended Nottingham High School before he studied philosophy, politics and economics at Keble College, Oxford, and was later a Kennedy Scholar in economics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He was a teaching fellow at Harvard from 1988 to 1990, when he joined the Financial Times as the lead economic writer.
Balls had joined the Labour Party while attending Nottingham High School, and became an adviser to Shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown in 1994, continuing in this role after Labour won the 1997 general election, and eventually becoming the Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury.
