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
My story
Labour through and through
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

