"As with so many in my generation, I was politicised by the 1984-85 Miners Strike, where I saw how the full power of the state, press and industry was deployed against coalfield communities." Ian Lavery MP
Ian Lavery MP

 

From Pit to Politics

I have had the honour of representing Wansbeck in Parliament from 2010 & was re-elected in 2015, 2017 and again in 2019. Before I was elected as an MP, I was proud to serve the former Wansbeck District as an elected Councillor. I have called Northumberland home my entire life, and this wonderful County is the only area I would ever want to represent in Parliament.

After I left school, I enrolled on to a Youth Training Scheme in the construction Industry, before gaining employment at Lynemouth Colliery. I later transferred to Ellington Colliery where I was granted a National Coal Board apprenticeship.

As with so many in my generation, I was politicised by the 1984-85 Miners Strike, where I saw how the full power of the state, press and industry was deployed against coalfield communities. During this period I also saw the spirit of comradeship, collectiveness and solidarity that helped keep communities together.

After the strike, I became more active in the Labour and Trade Union movement, going on to become the first Cabinet Chairman of Wansbeck District Council. I became the General Secretary for the National Union of Mineworkers (Northumberland area).

Since becoming an MP I have worked to represent my constituency, especially those who have fallen victim to injustices, across the U.K.

Throughout my career, I have dedicated a great deal of time to voluntary societies, and as a result, I have the honour of holding many honorary positions. I am a Trustee of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation in the North East area, the Hirst Welfare Centre and the Woodhorn Colliery Museum. In addition to these, I am a Patron of Headway for South East Northumberland. I am also Chairman and trustee of the world famous Pitman Painters organisation.

Since the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party, I have served as Shadow Cabinet Office Minister and as the Labour Party spokesperson for Trade Unions. Ahead of the 2017 snap General Election, I was asked to be Labour’s joint Elections Coordinator and following the result of the election, I was appointed national Chair of the Labour Party, a position which gives me great pride to serve as.

In my spare time, I thoroughly enjoy sport; in the main football, cricket and boxing.

I married my wife Hilary in 1986 & have two sons, Ian Jnr and Liam.

You can find out more about my work on the Parliament website, and my full voting record is available on the They Work for You website.

Ian at his 2019 General Election launch in Wansbeck
Ian at his 2019 General Election launch in Wansbeck
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