Luke Pollard: Husband, Age, Biography, Net Worth & Career

Luke Pollard, a prominent Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has found himself once again at the center of an all-too-familiar storm of homophobia. The 44-year-old openly gay politician recently posted a Valentine’s Day selfie with his partner, prompting a wave of vile comments from far-right trolls targeting their relationship. Despite the negativity, Pollard has received overwhelming support from allies who condemned the abuse as a sad reflection of persistent discrimination in British society.

Valentine’s Day Post Sparks Hate and Love

On February 14th, Pollard took to social media to share a heartfelt message to his boyfriend. Accompanied by a smiling selfie of the couple, he wrote: “Happy Valentine’s Day to my lovely boyfriend! X.” What should have been a simple and personal celebration of love quickly attracted attention from a vocal minority of online trolls.

Much of the abuse centered on an apparent “age gap” between Pollard, who is in his early 40s, and his partner, who appears to be in his mid-to-late 20s. Some commenters resorted to calling Pollard derogatory names, with one branding him a “dirty Labour nonce” and another implying his partner “looks 12 years old.”

However, for every negative comment, there were many more messages of solidarity. Supporters quickly pointed out the double standards at play, highlighting how heterosexual relationships with significant age differences rarely provoke the same outrage.

A Pattern of Homophobic Double Standards

Commenters on Twitter noted that no such criticism is directed at former prime minister Boris Johnson, who has a 24-year age gap with his wife, Carrie Johnson. One user aptly stated: “There’s a 24-year age difference between the PM and his current girlfriend, but of course everyone is making awful comments about these two because homophobia.”

Others called out the hypocrisy directly. Mathew Hulbert, a well-known LGBTQ+ advocate, tweeted: “Those who bemoan the perceived ‘age gap’ here, but don’t do so when it comes to the PM and his female partner, are being (whether they realise it or not) homophobic. Love is Love.”

Pollard, for his part, has chosen not to respond directly to the online abuse, opting instead to rise above it. His refusal to engage with the trolls has been widely praised, with supporters emphasizing that public figures should not have to defend their private relationships against prejudice.

Not the First Time Pollard Has Faced Hate

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first instance of homophobia directed at Pollard. During the 2019 general election campaign, his constituency office in Plymouth was repeatedly vandalized with anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti. The offensive messages targeted Pollard personally, focusing on his sexuality rather than his political record.

Speaking to PinkNews at the time, Pollard admitted that the attacks left him feeling “exasperated.” He explained: “It’s horrible when you’re being targeted because of who you fall in love with rather than being scrutinized for what’s actually in your policies.”

However, the MP refused to be cowed by the abuse. Instead, he maintained a defiant stance, stating: “I won’t let any bigot make me into a victim.” He praised the many constituents who supported him, some of whom helped clean the graffiti while others delivered cake and kind words to his office as gestures of solidarity.

Pollard even extended an olive branch to the person responsible for the vandalism, offering to sit down with them to discuss their issues in a civil conversation — a move that highlighted his commitment to dialogue over division.

Pollard’s Role in the Fight for Equality

As one of the UK’s openly gay MPs, Luke Pollard has long championed LGBTQ+ rights. Since entering Parliament in 2017, he has been an outspoken advocate for equality, using his platform to push for legislative changes and increased visibility for marginalized communities.

Pollard’s leadership is not limited to LGBTQ+ matters. As Shadow Armed Forces Minister, he has worked on issues affecting veterans and military personnel while also focusing on environmental policies and transport reforms for his Plymouth constituents. However, his open identity as a gay man in politics makes him a significant figure in the ongoing fight against discrimination.

Personal Life and Net Worth

While Pollard has never sought to turn his personal life into a media spectacle, he has always been open about his sexuality, using his experiences to support others. His recent post celebrating Valentine’s Day with his partner is just one example of him living authentically, despite the potential backlash.

As of 2025, Luke Pollard’s estimated net worth is believed to be in the region of £800,000 to £1 million, accrued through his parliamentary salary and previous work as a special adviser and campaigner.

Conclusion: Love Over Hate

Luke Pollard’s resilience in the face of repeated homophobic attacks speaks volumes about his character and commitment to change. His latest Valentine’s Day post serves as a reminder that, despite the strides made in LGBTQ+ rights, prejudice still lingers. However, Pollard’s refusal to be silenced, and the groundswell of public support he receives, reflect a growing cultural shift toward acceptance and equality.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Pollard’s visibility as a public figure navigating these challenges is a beacon of hope. As voices of solidarity continue to drown out hate, it’s clear that Pollard’s message — both in politics and personal life — is one of courage, dignity, and above all, love.