Thornton's partner is the Labour party leader Ed Miliband. Miliband has
described Thornton as his "best counsel".
Currently a British barrister.
Is friends with Frances Osborne, the wife of current Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osbourne, whom she met at university, and travelled with across America.
Did acting lessons at the age of 16 before going to Cambridge University.
Born in Nottingham, and schooled at Nottingham High School for Girls.
Shortly before starting at university, Thornton acted in the
long-running children's show Dramarama (1983), alongside
Wil Johnson.
She also starred as Erica, the rebellious schoolgirl in the hour-long pilot episode "The Visit" of Hardwicke House (1987).
She was appointed as an adviser to the British Government on biotechnology and the environment in 2000, a role she had until 2005.
She also co-authored of the 'Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Law Society Legislation Guides'.
She gave birth to two sons - Daniel Miliband, born 2009, and Samuel Miliband, born 2010.
Margaret Thornton and Stewart Thornton are her parents.