About me

Catherine has been the Member of Parliament for the Newcastle North constituency since 2010. She currently serves as the Minister for School Standards in the Department for Education, having been appointed by Sir Keir Starmer in July 2024. Catherine lives in the constituency with her husband, their three children and their adopted former service German Shepherd.

Life before Parliament

Born in Denton, the third of eight children, Catherine’s roots in Newcastle are deep. She went to school in the West End of the city, attending Sacred Heart Comprehensive School in Fenham. Her family also goes back generations in this area, and currently live across Newcastle and the region.

Whilst studying Politics and History at Edinburgh University, Catherine was active in various student organisations – campaigning on international development, human rights and social justice issues.

After leaving Edinburgh, Catherine went on to study Law at Northumbria University, before working as an employment solicitor with a large Newcastle law firm. 

Campaigning MP

Since 2010 Catherine has campaigned on the issues which matter to her and the residents of Newcastle North. She is accessible to constituents, holding surgeries to help with problems and regularly attends community events. She is a strong voice in Parliament for Newcastle and the North East, and has run campaigns on many issues including the cost of living, child poverty, the NHS, public services, leisure facilities and transport. 

Shadow frontbench experience

Catherine has held several different roles on Labour’s shadow frontbench team, including Shadow Attorney General, Shadow Solicitor General, Shadow Minister for Children & Young Families, Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury.  

In 2023, Catherine was appointed as Shadow Schools Minister in Labour’s education team. 

Parliamentary experience

Catherine has served on many Parliamentary bodies, including Chairing the Petitions Committee and the Treasury Select Committee, as a member of the Education Select Committee, and as Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party’s (PLP) backbench group on International Trade. 

From 2020 to 2023, as Chair of the Petitions Committee in Parliament, Catherine led a series of inquiries and debates including supporting Ukrainian Refugees, School Holiday Hunger, Water Safety, online harms, and support for new parents during the pandemic.

Parliamentary groups

Prior to holding a ministerial role in government, Catherine participated in many APPGs (All Party Parliamentary Groups) and other bodies.

 Catherine founded the All Party Parliamentary Group on the East Coast Mainline, and was Deputy Chair of the Armed Forces Group leading on the RAF. She also chaired the PLP Backbench Foreign Affairs Committee and graduated from the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

Catherine was Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism and in September 2020, was appointed a vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel. She has also been a member of Labour Friends of Palestine.