I have been Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom since 2019, representing the Jarrow and Gateshead East Constituency as well as serving as a UK Delegate to the Council of Europe since 2020.

Prior to my election as an MP, I served as a Local Councillor for 10 years and have been active in equalities campaigns for more than 40 years. I served on the National Executive for the UK’s largest Trade Union Unite for 20 years and is committed to fighting for workers rights.

I have served on the Women and Equalities Committee in the UK as well as the Equalities and Migration Committee in the Council of Europe and am currently involved in campaigning for access to fertility treatment for LGBTQIA people in the UK

I am currently involved in campaigning for access to fertility treatment for LGBTQIA people and was the Rapporteur for the Council of Europe’s report for a ban on all conversion practices taking on the UK and Europe in my fight against discrimination and abuse. In January 2026, after 2 years of hard work and negotiation, I ensured the report passed with support at around 2 votes to 1 across the political spectrum at the Council of Europe. A momentous moment for all those who suffer and have suffered from the effects of these abhorrent practices. I have also been recently elected to the role of General Rapporteur on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and am continuing my work to fight for LGBT equalities.