Siân James (politician)

Siân Catherine James (born 24 June 1959) is a Welsh Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Swansea East since 2005.

Early life

She spent most of her childhood in the Swansea Valley, where her parents ran a public house. She attended Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School on Afan Valley Road in Cimla, Neath.

1984 Miners' Strike

Her journey to Westminster started over twenty years ago, when as a young mother, she became involved in the 1984 Miners’ Strike. She and many other women had the opportunity for the first time to be much more active within communities. It was clear to them, that they were fighting not only to secure their husband’s, brother’s and son’s employment, but to safeguard South Wales communities and the way of life.

Early Political Career

Speaking in public, media interviews and debating with politicians became the norm, for a complete year. When the strike ended she did not wish to return to an ordinary housewife. Her confidence had soared during the strike and she discovered that ideas and opinions of women were just as valid as any other.

Education and Career

As a full-time mature student, she attended Swansea University for three years pursuing a degree in the Welsh Language Department. She was heavily involved with the students’ union and an enthusiastic member of the women’s group.

After graduation, she entered the work force and through a series of jobs / roles and worked her way up the management ladder. Her career has involved working for some of the most well-known organisations in Wales, culminating with her final role as Director of Welsh Women’s Aid.

James was Parliamentary Private Secretary both to Gareth Thomas, the Minister of State for Trade, and to Paul Murphy, the Welsh secretary until resigning in March 2009. She cited overwork as the cause of her resignation but it also allowed her to sign the early day motion opposing the part privatisation of the Royal Mail.^[1]

2005 General Election

In 2004 she resigned from the role in Welsh Women's Aid to stand as the Labour Party candidate in Swansea East.

She was elected in May 2005, the first woman to represent Swansea East and one of only eight women MPs from Wales. She has a majority of 11,249 votes.

References

External links

• Siân James MP official constituency website
• Sian James MP Welsh Labour Party profile
• Profile at Parliament of the United Kingdom
• Contributions in Parliament at Hansard 1803–2005
• Current session contributions in Parliament at Hansard
• Electoral history and profile at The Guardian
• Voting record at Public Whip
• Record in Parliament at TheyWorkForYou
• Profile at Westminster Parliamentary Record
• Profile at BBC News Democracy Live
• Meet the MP: Sian James, BBC News, 4 August 2005