Caroline van der Plas

Caroline Ann Maria van der Plas (; born 6 June 1967) is a Dutch journalist and politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021. A former member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), which she left in 2019, she is the founder of the Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB).

Early life and career Van der Plas was born on 6 June 1967 in Cuijk to a Dutch father and an Irish mother. Her mother, Nuala Fitzpatrick, is a retired politician of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), who served as an alderman in the municipal executive of Deventer. Her campaign for the 2021 general election focused on issues important to rural and agrarian voters, including pledges for a "Ministry of the Countryside" located at least 100 kilometres from The Hague, and a removal of the ban on neonicotinoids. She continued to serve as the BBB's parliamentary leader after the November 2023 general election as well as spokesperson for agriculture, nature, health, and infrastructure. The latter two specialties were replaced by foreign trade and development aid following the swearing in of the Schoof cabinet.

On 20 February 2026 Van der Plas handed over leadership of the party to fellow party founder Henk Vermeer, she remained a member of the House of Representatives.

Personal life Van der Plas lives in Deventer and has two sons.

Electoral history

+ YearBodyPartyVotesResult.Party seatsIndividual 2021 House of Representatives Farmer–Citizen Movement 1 56,205 1 2023 1 387,494 7 2025 1 122,624 4