Theresa was born in 1956 and educated at St Hugh's College, Oxford University, from 1974-77, gaining an MA in Geography. She is married to Philip and they live in Sonning, in the Maidenhead constituency.

Having worked in the banking industry, Theresa has held posts at the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) as Head of the European Affairs Unit from 1989-1996, and Senior Adviser on International Affairs between 1996-97.

Theresa was elected Member of Parliament for Maidenhead in May 1997.

She contested the constituency of North West Durham in the 1992 General Election and Barking in a 1994 by-election.

As a councillor in the London Borough of Merton between 1986-1994, Theresa was Chairman of Education between 1988-1990 and Deputy Group Leader and Housing Spokesman between 1992-1994.

Theresa has been a Member of the Select Committee on Education and Employment (1997-98); Joint Secretary of the Back Bench Home Affairs Committee (1997-98); Joint Chairman of the All Party Disablement Group (1997-98); and Chairman of the Conservative Disability Group (1997-98).

She was Shadow Spokesman for Schools, Disabled People and Women from 1998 to June 1999. She was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment in June 1999. In September 2001, she was appointed as Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government & the Regions. In June 2002, following changes to the structure of government departments, she was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport.

From 2002 to 2003, she served as Chairman of the Conservative Party. In July 2003, she was appointed a Privy Councillor. In November 2003, she became Shadow Secretary of State for Environment & Transport. In June 2004, she became Shadow Secretary of State for the Family; in May 2005, Culture, Media & Sport was added to her shadow portfolio.