It is the privilege of my life to represent the people of my hometown since 2013 as South Shields's first ever female MP.

Full statement

During my career in child protection social work, I saw first-hand the harsh realities of frontline social work and the detrimental effect of poverty, especially in the North East.

Now, as an MP, I work consistently day in, day out, for the people of South Shields supporting local charities and organisations, providing advice and support to constituents, tackling both national and local issues and aiding funding bids to secure new opportunities for our area.

I have been an effective and strong voice in Parliament on matters such as free school meals and breakfasts for children, support for victims, sewage pollution, poverty, children's services, the cost-of-living crisis and levelling up promises. I regularly speak up on a range of local issues including workers rights, against the cuts to South Tyneside Hospital, funding for South Shields, transport links and support for local businesses.

In Parliament, I sit on the Defence Select Committee and the Committee on Arms Export Controls to scrutinise Government actions. I work hard as the Co-Chair of the Child of the North APPG, aiming to improve the lives of children in the North and tackle regional disparities, alongside being a member of several other APPGs.

I keep constituents updated on my work through my social media and regular newsletters alongside speaking to many thousands of constituents through door knocking, surgeries, drop-ins and special events for both the public and for Labour members all year round.

South Shields, and the rest of our country, desperately need a Labour Government and I will work tirelessly to ensure that happens.