Cheryl was born in Llandaff, Cardiff, in 21 April 1952 and was educated at Cheltenham Ladies College and the College of Law. Before entering Parliament, her career included Director of British Film Year (1984-86); Senior Marketing Consultant, Ernst and Young (1986-1991) and Marketing Director, Kidsons Impey (1991-1993).
She was elected Member of Parliament for Chesham and Amersham in April 1992. also, she was Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Lord Privy Seal, Leader of the House of Lords from 1994 until July 1995. he was then appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education and Employment. She became Front bench Spokesperson for Trade and Industry in June 1997. In June 1998 she was appointed Front bench Spokesman for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. She went on to become an Opposition Whip from September 2001 to June 2003. In December 2003, she was appointed a Shadow Minister for Home, Constitutional and Legal Affairs. In December 2005, Cheryl was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Wales
Gillan has been married to John Coates "Jack" Leeming since 1985. Her husband is employed using parliamentary expenses. Her interests include singing and she is a member of the Parliamentary Choir, gardening, golf and keeping chickens.
