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About

A voice for progressive change

My politics were shaped growing up in the North under Thatcher. I’m Labour through and through, and I will always fight for our party, our movement and our values.

I’ll be a voice for the progressive change and hope that Labour has always delivered when we’re at our best. I will champion our members, unions and elected representatives, creating a bridge between our movement and our leadership.

A strong, independent voice.

I want this Labour Government to succeed, and sometimes that means speaking the truth – never sniping from the sidelines but ensuring we listen and act on what we hear.

A bold vision to win

My own seat in Manchester is half red-wall, half urban. I know what it takes to rebuild our voter coalition. All over the country, we’re at risk of losing votes to both sides. We must tell a better story and offer a bold vision that unites us all.

In government I was in charge of legislation - the Employment Rights Bill within 100 days, railways back in public hands, GB Energy and ending water bosses bonuses. Change that will transform the country. That’s the story we must tell.

A better culture

Now, doing the Deputy Leader job full-time outside the constraints of Government, I can be laser focussed on connecting with our communities.

When we include more voices and experiences, we make decisions which hold true to our values. That’s how we’ll change the country. That's how we’ll win.

My story

Labour through and through

1974

Born in Moss Side, Manchester

1985

Parrs Wood High, Manchester

1989

Joined the Labour Party aged 15

1996

Chemistry at Kings College

2010

Manages Ed Miliband's leadership campaign

2012

Elected as MP for Manchester Central

2013

Shadow Childcare and Early Years Minister

2015

Shadow Education Secretary argued for bringing academies back under public control

2017

Co-founded APPG on Social Media Harms

2019

Campaign on building standards after Grenfell

2024

Leader of House of Commons first 100 days: Employment Rights Bill, railways back in public hands, GB Energy and ending water bosses bonuses