Josh Babarinde: The Inspiring Journey of a Social Entrepreneur Turned UK Parliament Member

Josh Babarinde is a British politician, social entrepreneur, and community campaigner known for his groundbreaking work in youth rehabilitation and social justice. Born in Eastbourne, England, in 1993, he rose from humble beginnings to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for Eastbourne, representing the Liberal Democrats. A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE), Babarinde’s journey blends compassion, innovation, and public service. Before entering politics, he founded Cracked It, a social enterprise helping young ex-offenders build meaningful careers. His life story reflects the power of determination, empathy, and dedication to creating positive societal impact.

Early Life and Education

Josh Babarinde was born on 20 June 1993 in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England. Raised in a supportive family environment, his upbringing emphasized community involvement, education, and fairness. He attended local schools in Eastbourne — St Thomas a Becket Primary, Stafford Junior, and Cavendish School — where his teachers noted his curiosity and early leadership qualities.

From a young age, Josh showed a deep interest in helping others. He was active in local youth clubs, scouting, and volunteer initiatives that focused on supporting disadvantaged children. After completing his secondary education, he attended East Sussex College, where he studied from 2009 to 2011. His passion for social issues led him to pursue higher education at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), studying Government and Politics.

At LSE, Josh developed a strong understanding of political systems, inequality, and community development. His academic achievements, combined with practical volunteering, shaped his early vision of bridging the gap between policy and real-life community needs.

Josh Babarinde Age

As of 2025, Josh Babarinde is 32 years old. Despite his relatively young age, his career reflects remarkable achievements in multiple fields — youth justice, social enterprise, and national politics. His ability to combine youthful energy with mature insight has made him one of the most promising figures in modern British politics.

Early Career and Work in Youth Justice

Before entering the political arena, Josh dedicated himself to working with young people affected by crime and poverty. He became a youth justice worker in East London, where he supported teenagers involved in gangs and crime to reintegrate into society. His hands-on experience in rehabilitation taught him the importance of empathy, patience, and community-focused solutions.

During this time, he observed a recurring pattern: many young people turned to crime due to a lack of employment opportunities and positive role models. Determined to change that narrative, Josh created a project that combined entrepreneurship and social purpose — a concept that would soon evolve into something transformative.

The Founding of “Cracked It”

In his mid-twenties, Josh Babarinde founded Cracked It, a London-based social enterprise with a mission to help young ex-offenders and at-risk youth rebuild their lives. The organization trained participants in smartphone repair — a skill that offered immediate employability and economic independence.

Under Josh’s leadership, Cracked It quickly gained recognition for its innovation and measurable social impact. It was named Social Enterprise of the Year by the Evening Standard and recognized by the Centre for Social Justice for its effective rehabilitation model. The company’s success was not just financial; it provided a sense of dignity and purpose to people who had been marginalized by society.

In 2019, Josh’s remarkable contribution to social enterprise earned him a place on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for Social Entrepreneurs. His story was celebrated as an example of how creativity and compassion can create systemic change.

Recognition and Awards

Josh Babarinde’s work did not go unnoticed. In 2020, he received one of the UK’s highest honors — the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) — for his services to criminal justice, social enterprise, and the economy.

This recognition marked a turning point in his career. It validated his belief that social innovation could transform lives and reinforced his commitment to public service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh volunteered with St John Ambulance, training as a community vaccinator to support his hometown of Eastbourne. His dedication to service extended beyond politics or business — it was deeply personal and rooted in empathy.

Entry into Politics

Josh’s political journey began with his growing desire to influence policy on a larger scale. He joined the Liberal Democrats, a party known for its progressive stance on equality, justice, and human rights.

In the 2019 General Election, he ran as a candidate for the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency but did not win. However, his campaign stood out for its authenticity, energy, and focus on community-driven policies. Undeterred, Josh continued to serve his local area and refine his political vision.

On 6 May 2021, he was elected as a Councillor for the Hampden Park ward on Eastbourne Borough Council. During his time in local government, he focused on improving housing, public health, and education services. In 2023, he stepped down to concentrate on his parliamentary campaign.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 2024, Josh Babarinde achieved a major milestone when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Eastbourne. His victory represented a significant swing from the Conservative Party to the Liberal Democrats, highlighting voters’ trust in his leadership and vision for change.

As an MP, Josh prioritizes issues close to his heart:

• Reforming youth justice systems to reduce reoffending rates.

• Improving local healthcare by campaigning for better hospital facilities in Eastbourne.

• Tackling coastal pollution by holding water companies accountable for sewage discharges.

• Supporting small businesses and community enterprises as engines of economic growth.

In Parliament, he is recognized for his engaging speaking style, thoughtful contributions, and commitment to representing his community’s interests. His unique blend of real-world experience and academic insight gives him credibility on both social and economic matters.

Josh Babarinde Family

Josh Babarinde comes from a close-knit family based in Eastbourne. Though he keeps much of his personal life private, he often speaks about his parents’ influence and the values they instilled in him — respect, hard work, and compassion. His family background reflects the multicultural diversity of modern Britain, and he often mentions how his upbringing taught him the importance of fairness and community spirit.

He is also known for being openly gay, a fact he embraces with pride. His visibility in British politics adds to the growing representation of LGBTQ+ voices in Parliament, inspiring many young people to see politics as an inclusive and diverse space.

Josh Babarinde Wikipedia Overview

According to his Wikipedia profile, Josh Babarinde is a British politician, social entrepreneur, and community campaigner representing the Liberal Democrats. The page outlines his journey from his early life in Eastbourne, through his education at LSE, to his founding of Cracked It, and ultimately his election as MP for Eastbourne in 2024.

His Wikipedia entry highlights his OBE honor, Forbes recognition, and focus on social justice issues. It also lists his previous roles, community involvement, and participation in national debates related to youth crime, health services, and environmental policy.

Josh Babarinde Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly available, Josh Babarinde’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million as of 2025. His earnings come primarily from his work in social entrepreneurship and his current position as a Member of Parliament.

However, it’s clear that financial gain has never been his driving force. Much of his income and energy have gone toward community projects and philanthropic causes. His focus remains on creating long-term social and economic opportunities for others rather than personal enrichment.

Leadership Style and Vision

Josh’s leadership style is rooted in empathy, transparency, and innovation. He often emphasizes listening to the community before proposing solutions. His speeches reflect a deep belief that every individual, regardless of background, deserves dignity and opportunity.

He is particularly passionate about tackling the cost-of-living crisis, advocating for affordable housing, and ensuring young people have access to quality education and jobs. His background in social enterprise influences his approach — favoring practical, people-centered solutions over bureaucratic complexity.

Josh is also vocal about environmental protection, especially in coastal regions like Eastbourne. He supports sustainable energy development and measures to combat climate change while ensuring local communities benefit from green economic transitions.

Josh Babarinde’s Impact on Modern Politics

Josh Babarinde represents a new generation of British politicians — young, innovative, and community-driven. His career bridges the worlds of entrepreneurship, social advocacy, and policymaking, creating a model for future leaders.

He embodies the values of authenticity, inclusion, and service. Whether helping young offenders build new lives or campaigning for cleaner beaches, Josh’s mission has remained consistent: to empower people and improve society from the ground up.

His rise also symbolizes a broader shift in UK politics — one where lived experience, social empathy, and diversity are valued as much as traditional political pedigree.

Conclusion

Josh Babarinde’s story is one of transformation, purpose, and impact. From his early work as a youth justice worker to his position in the House of Commons, he has demonstrated what true public service looks like. His ability to turn compassion into action — through initiatives like Cracked It and his leadership in Eastbourne — makes him one of the most inspiring figures in contemporary British politics.

At just 32, his journey has only begun. As he continues to champion fairness, opportunity, and community empowerment, Josh Babarinde stands as a beacon of hope for a new kind of politics — one rooted in empathy, equality, and integrity.