> Full name: Daniel Owen Woolgar Jarvis
> Born: 30 November 1972 (age 53)
> Birthplace: Nottingham, England
> Nationality: British
> Political Party: Labour and Co-operative Party
> Occupation: Politician, former Army officer
Overview
Daniel Owen Woolgar Jarvis, commonly known as Dan Jarvis, is a British politician and former British Army officer. Since June 2026, he has served as the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence. Dan Jarvis has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Barnsley North since 2011 and previously served as Mayor of South Yorkshire from 2018 to 2022.
Parents and Early Life
Dan Jarvis was born on 30 November 1972 in Nottingham, England. His father was a lecturer at a teacher-training college, while his mother worked as a probation officer. Both of his parents were members of the Labour Party.
Dan Jarvis attended Lady Bay Primary School and Rushcliffe School before studying at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Education
Dan Jarvis earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in International Politics and Strategic Studies from Aberystwyth University in 1996. He later completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Conflict, Security and Development from King's College London in 2011.
Military Career
Dan Jarvis joined the British Army after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served in the Parachute Regiment from 1997 to 2011 and achieved the rank of Major.
During his military service, Dan Jarvis was deployed to several conflict zones, including:
- Kosovo War
- Northern Ireland
- Iraq (Operation Telic)
- Afghanistan (Operation Herrick)
In recognition of his military service, Dan Jarvis was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2011.
Political Career
Although he joined the Labour Party at age 18, Dan Jarvis became actively involved in politics after leaving the Army.
He was elected as Member of Parliament for Barnsley Central in a 2011 by-election and has remained an MP since then. He later served as Mayor of South Yorkshire from 2018 to 2022.
On 11 June 2026, the Prime Minister appointed Dan Jarvis as Secretary of State for Defence following the resignation of the former.
Wife and Children
Dan Jarvis married his first wife, Caroline, in 2000. The couple had two children together. Caroline was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 and died in July 2010 at the age of 43.
In 2013, Dan Jarvis married Rachel Jarvis, a freelance graphic designer. They later had one child together.
Dan Jarvis is the father of three children.
Sport and Personal Interests
Dan Jarvis is a long-distance runner and has participated in the London marathon every year since 2010.
In 2020, Dan Jarvis published his memoir, A Long Way Home, which describes his military career and personal experiences, including the illness and death of his first wife.
Legacy
Dan Jarvis is a British politician, former Army Major, and Labour Party member. He served in military operations in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern Ireland before entering politics. He has represented Barnsley in Parliament since 2011, served as Mayor of South Yorkshire, and became the UK's Defence Secretary in 2026. He is married to Rachel Jarvis and has three children.
FAQs
1. Who is Dan Jarvis?
Dan Jarvis is a British politician and former British Army officer who currently serves as the UK Secretary of State for Defence and has been MP for Barnsley since 2011.
2. How old is Dan Jarvis?
Dan Jarvis was born on 30 November 1972, making him 53 years old as of 2026.
3. What is Dan Jarvis full name?
Dan Jarvis full name is Daniel Owen Woolgar Jarvis.
4. What military rank did Dan Jarvis hold?
Dan Jarvis served in the British Army and reached the rank of Major in the Parachute Regiment.
5. Did Dan Jarvis serve in the military?
Yes, Dan Jarvis served in the British Army from 1997 to 2011 in the Parachute Regiment.
6. What wars or operations did Dan Jarvis take part in?
Dan Jarvis served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq (Operation Telic), and Afghanistan (Operation Herrick).
7. Who is Dan Jarvis wife?
Dan Jarvis married Caroline in 2000 (she passed away in 2010). He later married Rachel Jarvis in 2013.
8. How many children does Dan Jarvis have?
Dan Jarvis has three children.
9. What political party does Dan Jarvis belong to?
Dan Jarvis is a member of the Labour and Co-operative Party.
10. What sport is Dan Jarvis known for?
Dan Jarvis is known for long-distance running and has participated in the London Marathon since 2010.
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.


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