Irene Campbell
Irene Campbell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran | |
| Assumed office 4 July 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Patricia Gibson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1964 Saltcoats |
| Political party | Labour |
| Website | www |
Irene Campbell is a Scottish Labour politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran since 2024.[1]
Before her election to Parliament, She worked in several senior roles with the health service, as well as jobs as a business analyst and project manager with the Civil Service.[2]
In the town of Saltcoats, she is the chair of SPLASH, a group seeking funding to refurbish the town's outdoor tidal pool.[3]
Early life and education[edit]
Irene Campbell was born in 1964 in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire. She was educated locally at Auchenharvie Academy before attending University gaining a BA (Hons) and later a master's degree.[4]
Her neighbour growing up was Labour MP David Lambie, MP for Cunninghame South until 1992 and she was involved in his campaigns from a very young age.
In her youth she swam competitively.
Career prior to parliament[edit]
Campbell joined the civil service at the age of 19 and moved to London. She became in involved in the Trade-Union Movement during this time, joining the CPSA and was very active in the strikes around the Civil Service Pay Deal.
She was involved in the Picket Line outside Downing Street during Margaret Thatcher's premiership where the picketers stopped the East German and Chinese Government from entering. Thatcher infamously rebuked the young picketers.
Returning to her home town, she has worked in the NHS for the last 20 years as a Project Manager. In this role she served as a UNITE Rep and was one of the few candidates in 2024 to receive UNITE's backing.[5]
She also served for a time as Chair of North Ayrshire Women's Aid.[6]
SPLASH Group[edit]
During the pandemic, Irene became frustrated at the fact Swimming Pools were closed and Saltcoats had an outdoor pool which had been left in a dilapidated state for a number of years.
In response, Irene founded the SPLASH Group which has been looking into getting investment to bring the tidal pool back into use which has involved work with architects.[7]
She had fond memories of the former pool from her time growing up in the town - and so the idea to return it to its former glory was born.
Since that time feasibility study and engineer’s reports have been completed, confirming that a revival of the outdoor bathing pool would be possible - and would cost in the region of £500,000.[8]
Career in Parliament[edit]
Campbell was elected as the Scottish Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran on a 21.5% swing to Labour from the SNP, unseating the 9 year incumbent Patricia Gibson.
Campbell was sworn in on the 10th July 2024 and has committed to being a community based MP.[9]
Personal life[edit]
Campbell lives in her home-town of Saltcoats and enjoys swimming.
Campbell is the younger sister of Professor Andy Campbell.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ "North Ayrshire and Arran - General election results 2024". BBC News.
- ^ "What Labour's Irene Campbell said after becoming North Ayrshire and Arran's MP". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Grayston, Murray (31 May 2024). "'It's time for change': North Ayrshire's Labour candidate sets out campaign plans". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "Irene ready to make a splash as Labour candidate sets sights on Westminster seat". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "'It's time for change': North Ayrshire's Labour candidate sets out campaign plans". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ "Irene ready to make a splash as Labour candidate sets sights on Westminster seat". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Splash group to provide update on Saltcoats outdoor pool at event next month". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ "Concept designs for Saltcoats outdoor pool revealed - take a look". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Ayrshire's Labour MPs share pic from Downing Street after Starmer meeting". Irvine Times. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
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