Luke Akehurst Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Education, Career, Labour NEC, Wife, Family, Net Worth

WikiStars June 4, 2024

Who is Luke Akehurst?

Luke Akehurst is a prominent figure within the UK Labour Party, known for his roles as a political activist and lobbyist. He has been a member of the Labour Party since 1988 and has held various positions within the party. He is also a member of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), representing Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs).

Luke Akehurst served as a councillor on Hackney Council in London from 2002 to 2014. He has also been a parliamentary candidate for Labour in Aldershot in 2001 and Castle Point in 2005, although he was not elected in these instances.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Luke Akehurst, his early life, education, political career, wife, children and more.

Luke Akehurst Age

Luke Akehurst is 52 years old as of 2024.

Luke Akehurst Early Life and Education

Luke Akehurst was born on March 2, 1972, in Kent, England. He attended Kent College from 1983 to 1990, where he completed his secondary education before moving on to higher education.

Akehurst then pursued his university studies at the University of Bristol, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Politics in 1993.

Luke Akehurst Career

Luke Akehurst is a figure who has carved out a significant niche for himself within the UK Labour Party and beyond. His career began with his early involvement in the party, joining at the tender age of 16.

This early start laid the foundation for a career marked by political activism and a series of roles that have seen him become a key player in Labour’s internal dynamics. Akehurst’s commitment to the party has been unwavering, and he has served as a member of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), representing Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs).

His political journey aldo saw him serve as a councillor on Hackney Council in London from 2002 to 2014, where he was able to influence local governance and policy-making. Although his bids for parliamentary seats in Aldershot in 2001 and Castle Point in 2005 were unsuccessful, these experiences further deepened his understanding of the political landscape and electoral processes.

Beyond the confines of direct political engagement, Akehurst has been a prominent lobbyist and advocate for Israel. As the director of “We Believe in Israel,” a London-based lobby group, he has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s policies and actions. His work in this capacity has been both influential and, at times, controversial, given the complex and sensitive nature of Middle Eastern politics.

Akehurst’s career has not been without its contentious moments. His comments and positions regarding Israel and its actions in Gaza have sparked debate and criticism. He has defended Israel’s right to maintain settlements considered illegal under international law and has made statements regarding the United Nations that have been labeled as controversial.

In addition to his political and lobbying efforts, Akehurst has also made his mark in the world of public relations. He spent 11 years at the PR firm Weber Shandwick, where he specialized in defense. This role allowed him to blend his political insights with strategic communication, further enhancing his profile as a skilled communicator and strategist.

Most recently, Akehurst has been selected to run for Labour in North Durham at the next General Election. His selection has been met with mixed reactions, highlighting the divisions within the party and the broader political discourse surrounding his candidacy.

Luke Akehurst Political Party

Luke Akehurst is a member of the UK Labour Party. He has been involved with the party since 1988 and has held various roles within it.

Positions Held By Luke Akehurst

Luke Akehurst has held several notable positions throughout his career, both within the Labour Party and in public service. Here’s a list of the positions he has held:

Labour Students National Secretary (1995-1996)
Parliamentary Candidate for Aldershot (2001) and Castle Point (2005)
Councillor on Hackney Council (2002-2014), including a period as chief whip
Director of the London-based lobby group “We Believe in Israel”
Secretary of Labour First, a network aimed at keeping the Labour party “safe from the organised hard left”
Member of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), representing Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs)

Luke Akehurst Controversies

Luke Akehurst has been a subject of controversy primarily due to his stance on Israel. As a director of the lobby group “We Believe in Israel,” he has expressed views that have sparked debate, particularly regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza and the legality of Israeli settlements. Akehurst has denied that Israel’s actions in Gaza have been “disproportionate” and has supported Israel’s right to keep land on which it has placed settlements, despite these being considered illegal under international law.

Additionally, Akehurst has faced criticism for his comments about the United Nations, which he has described as “antisemitic” in response to the UN calling out Israel’s illegal settlements. His selection as Labour’s candidate for North Durham in the next General Election has also been controversial, with concerns raised about the method of his appointment and his views on Israel and the United Nations.

Luke Akehurst Wife and Children

Luke Akehurst is married to Linda Smith, who is a councillor representing Blackbird Leys in Oxford. Together, they have two sons. The family is involved in public service and politics, with Linda Smith also being a cabinet member for housing at Oxford City Council.

Luke Akehurst Net Worth

As of 2024, Luke Akehurst has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.

Luke Akehurst Twitter Presence

Luke Akehurst is active on Twitter, where he shares his personal views and professional updates. You can find him on Twitter under the handle @LukeAkehurst.