Lorna Fitzsimons

Lorna Fitzsimons (born 6 August 1967, Littleborough, Lancashire) is a British politician. A member of the Labour Party, she served as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the constituency of Rochdale from 1997 to 2005.

Early life

Fitzsimons went to St James CE Primary School in Wardle and Wardle High School. Then she went to Rochdale College of Art and Design, followed by Loughborough College of Art and Design (which became part of Loughborough University in 1998) where she studied for a BA in Textile Design.

Fitzsimons was the President of the National Union of Students (NUS) from 1992 to 1994, having previously held the position of NUS Vice-President (Education). She was a Director of NUS Services from 1990-4, and of Endsleigh Insurance from 1992-4.

Parliamentary career

In 1997, Fitzsimons was elected the Member of Parliament for Rochdale, a position she held until her defeat at the 2005 election by the Liberal Democrat candidate Paul Rowen.

As a parliamentarian, Fitzsimmons was a member of the campaign group Labour Friends of Israel.

Career

Fitzsimons was appointed CEO of Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre on 29 September 2006. While at the Herzliyaa Conference, she is reported to have said that "public opinion does not influence foreign policy in Britain. Foreign policy is an elite issue."^[1]

Personal life

Fitzsimons married Stephen Benedict Cooney on 8 April 2000 in Rochdale. She has one step-daughter, and a son (born in September 2002).

References

• Times Guide to the House of Commons, 1997, 2001 and 2005 editions

External links

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Lorna Fitzsimons
• Losing her seat
• They Work For You
• Ask Aristotle
• BBC page