Thérèse Coffey had to leave Oxford University – but made it to deputy PM

Thérèse Coffey left Oxford’s Somerville College prematurely ‘not because of any misconduct, but because she was so involved in extracurricular activities’, a contemporary said. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

She is Liz Truss’s closest political ally whose loyalty saw her elevated to the position of deputy prime minister and health secretary.

Yet some who recall Thérèse Coffey at Oxford University are surprised that “Tiz” has ascended to be the official No 2 in the government.