Melanie Johnson

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Melanie Jane Johnson (born 5 February 1955) is a Labour politician in the United Kingdom.

Melanie Johnson was first elected in the 1997 election overturning a majority of 6,583. Johnson won her seat, a traditional Conservative strong hold, following an infamous statement made by her opponent, David Evans, which made national newspaper headlines. Evans was taped by sixth form students (at Stanborough School, Welwyn Garden City) denouncing Johnson as "a single girl, lives with her boyfriend, three bastard children" and saying she had "never done a proper job". At this time Johnson was working as a school inspector and living with her partner of 18 years. In this taped statement Evans claimed Johnson didn't "have a chance in hell". Evans refused to apologise about his comments to Johnson.

In the 2001 elections Johnson was returned in the 2001 elections with a reduced majority. Welwyn Hatfield had never previously been held for more than one term by a Labour MP. She was defeated in the 2005 general election on a 9.2% swing to the Conservatives. In her constituency she was a key player in securing the British Aerospace site development for the benefit of local residents.

From 1999 to 2005 Johnson was a junior minister serving first as Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Secondly in the DTI as Minister for Competition and Consumers. Finally as Minister for Public Health in the Department for Health. In this last role her responsibilities included policy on smoking, obesity, drugs, alcohol, diet and nutrition, communicable diseases, sexual health, sustainable development and health inequalities.

[edit] Post Parliamentary Work

In 2006 Melanie Johnson took the position of Deputy Chair on the Customer Impact Panel, an Association of British Insurers organisation dedicated to improving the customers' experience of the insurance industry. In 2007 she became the Chair and Mike Ross took over as Deputy Chair.

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by David Evans	Member of Parliament for Welwyn Hatfield 1997–2005	Succeeded by Grant Shapps
Political offices
Preceded by Patricia Hewitt	Economic Secretary to the Treasury 1999–2001	Succeeded by Ruth Kelly