Lewis Atkinson

Lewis Malcolm Atkinson^[3] was born in South Shields and was brought up in South Tyneside and educated at the King’s School, Tynemouth, where he studied French at A level, among other subjects.^[4] He studied at Wadham College, Oxford,^[5] where he studied Philosophy, politics and economics, and at the University of Birmingham, where he earned a master's degree in healthcare leadership and management.^[6]

Atkinson entered the National Health Service (NHS) through the Graduate Management Training scheme.^[6]

Atkinson began working in the North East NHS in 2005, having previously worked in the health team of the Treasury.^[6]

Atkinson holds the NHS Leadership Academy's Nye Bevan in Executive Healthcare Leadership.^[6]

In January 2012, Atkinson announced that he would run to be on the Labour Party National Executive Committee.^[7] In 2013, he was shortlisted to stand in South Shields, but was not ultimately selected.^[4]

Incumbent MP for Sunderland Central Julie Elliott announced that she would not seek reelection at the 2024 general election, which Atkinson later described as a "total surprise."^[1] Three days later on 30 May 2024, Atkinson was selected as the Labour Party candidate for the constituency.^[8][9] He was elected in the 2024 general election,^[10] winning the seat with 16,852 votes (42.18% of the vote) with a majority of 15.2%.^[11][12]

In November 2024, Atkinson voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which proposes to legalise assisted suicide.^[13]

Lewis Atkinson is divorced and has 2 children.^[1]