I’ve lived in the North East for 35 years and before first entering Parliament in 2019. I worked for Royal Mail for 25 years and in this time I was also a trade union rep. 

Workers rights remain hugely important to me and I am proud to be in a position now, as MP, that allows me to hold the Government to account – demanding Ministers provide more support to workers. 

I have been an active Member of the Labour Party for many years, before my election as MP I was elected to represent Preston Ward at the 2010 local elections, gaining the seat from the Conservative incumbent. I was then re-elected in 2014 and 2018. 

I have also served on the Labour Party National Constitutional committee and was also Chair of Unite’s Regional Labour Party Liaison Committee and on the Northern TUC Executive Committee. 

I have always, and will always be, a strong trade unionist – I firmly believe in trade union and socialist values. I am also an active member of the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs in Parliament.

Since my election to Parliament, I have worked hard on behalf of Jarrow and Gateshead East constituents and held several positions. I have served consistently on the Women and Equalities Select Committee (WEC) and in my first term was an active member of the Backbench Business Committee. 

In my position on the Women and Equalities Select Committee I have contributed to enquiries on a vast range of important topics such as: Reform of the Gender Recognition Act, Menopause and the workplace, Sexism and Inequality in Football and Equality and the UK asylum process. You can find out more about the work the WEC does here.

I keep constituents updated about my work regularly via my social media channels and through monthly newsletters. If you would like to subscribe to my mailing list to receive regular updates about my work and campaigns – you can register here!