Meet Iain Duncan Smith: Former Conservative MP with a Soft Side

Iain Duncan Smith, or "IDS" as he's often known, is a British politician who served as the leader of the Conservative Party from 2001 to 2003, and as the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2010 to 2016. He's a controversial figure, known for his outspoken views on welfare reform and immigration. But behind the tough-talking politician lies a man with a surprising softer side.
IDS was born in Edinburgh in 1954, and his family moved to London when he was three years old. He was educated at the prestigious Eton College, and then went on to study law at the University of Cambridge. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer, before entering politics in the early 1990s.
IDS quickly rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party, becoming a shadow cabinet member in 1994. In 2001, he was elected leader of the party, following the resignation of William Hague. However, his tenure as leader was short-lived, as he was forced to resign in 2003 after two years of poor electoral results.
After leaving frontline politics, IDS remained a prominent figure on the right of the Conservative Party. He was a vocal critic of Tony Blair's Labour government, and played a key role in the campaign for Brexit. In 2010, he was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by David Cameron.
IDS's time at the Department of Work and Pensions was marked by controversy, as he oversaw a series of welfare reforms that were widely criticised as being too harsh. He was also a vocal opponent of immigration, and called for a reduction in the number of people coming to the UK.
In 2016, IDS resigned from his cabinet position, citing irreconcilable differences with Theresa May over her plans for Brexit. He has since become a vocal critic of the government's handling of Brexit, and has called for a second referendum.
Despite his controversial views, IDS is also known for his charitable work. He is the founder of the Centre for Social Justice, a think tank that seeks to tackle poverty and inequality. He is also a patron of a number of charities, including the Salvation Army and the Royal British Legion.
IDS is a complex figure, who combines a tough-talking exterior with a compassionate heart. He is a man of strong opinions, but he is also open to changing his mind if he believes it is the right thing to do. He is a controversial figure, but he is also a man who has dedicated his life to public service.