I was first elected as the Labour MP for Leicester West on May 6th 2010, and have had the role of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions since July 2024.

I have spent my life trying to help make our society fairer and our public services better. As Director of the Ambulance Service Network – the national organisation that represents all NHS ambulance services – I worked with NHS staff and patients’ groups to make sure everyone gets the best possible urgent and emergency care. As Director of the Maternity Alliance charity, I campaigned to improve maternity and paternity pay and leave, to give parents more rights to flexible working, and to provide better health services and childcare for new parents and their babies.

I’ve worked for two ‘think-tanks’: the Institute for Public Policy Research, where I was the Associate Director for health, social care and children’s early years; and the King’s Fund, where I was a researcher on the public health programme focusing on tackling local health inequalities.

I was also an adviser to two members of the cabinet when Labour was in Government, helping to develop and implement our social and economic policies.

Leicester is a fantastic city with a thriving, diverse community. I am proud and honoured to represent the people of Leicester West as your Member of Parliament.