Kate Dearden
British politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kate Dearden (born April 1994)[1] is an English Labour and Co-operative politician who has served as Member of Parliament for Halifax since 2024. She previously worked for trade union Community. She is the current Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection in the Department for Business and Trade.
April 1994 (age 31)
Kate Dearden | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Assistant Government Whip | |
| Assumed office 18 July 2024 | |
| Prime Minister | Keir Starmer |
| Member of Parliament for Halifax | |
| Assumed office 4 July 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Holly Lynch |
| Majority | 6,269 (15.5%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kate Alexandra Dearden April 1994 (age 31) Bingley, West Yorkshire, England |
| Party | Labour Co-op |
| Education | St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh (MA) |
Early life and career
Dearden was born and raised in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and attended St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College in Bradford.[2] She studied for MA (Hons) International Relations at the University of Edinburgh,[3] where she was Chair of Edinburgh Labour Students and campaigned for equal marriage in Scotland.[2]
During her third year at university, Dearden worked as a Campaign Organiser for Ian Murray MP, before working for Kezia Dugdale MSP (then leader of Scottish Labour and Member of Scottish Parliament for Lothian) in her fourth year.[4]
After graduating, Dearden served as Chair of the National Labour Students Committee until June 2017,[5] having begun working as a Campaigns Officer for the Labour Party in April.[4] Whilst Chair of the Labour Students, Dearden launched training against antisemitism at the Oxford University Labour Club.[6][7]
Dearden worked for Community Union from 2017 - 2024.[8] Beginning as a Research and Campaigns Officer in October 2017, Dearden was then promoted to be Head of Research, Policy & External Relations in January 2020.[4]
Parliamentary career
Dearden attempted to stand as a candidate in the 2022 Wakefield by-election,[8][9] but was not selected.[10]
Dearden was elected as Member of Parliament for Halifax in the 2024 United Kingdom general election, succeeding the former Labour MP for Halifax, Holly Lynch, who stood down.[2][11][12] Dearden was appointed Assistant Whip, House of Commons on 18 July 2024.[13]
From 2025, she has offered cost of living advice surgeries to her constituents.[14][15]
