Alison Seabeck, English lawyer and politician

Alison Jane Seabeck (née Ward), born on 20 January 1954, is a distinguished former English Labour Party politician who dedicated a decade to serving the constituents of Plymouth as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom's House of Commons. Her political career saw her hold significant roles in the Official Opposition, contributing to key policy areas.

Parliamentary Representation and Electoral History

Alison Seabeck's journey into the UK Parliament began following the 2005 general election, a pivotal contest where the Labour Party, under Prime Minister Tony Blair, secured its third consecutive victory. She successfully won the seat of Plymouth Devonport, a constituency with deep historical ties to the Royal Navy and a traditional Labour stronghold. She capably represented Plymouth Devonport for a full parliamentary term until the 2010 general election.

The 2010 election coincided with significant boundary changes across the United Kingdom's electoral map. The Plymouth Devonport constituency was consequently abolished as part of these revisions. Demonstrating her strong local support and political resilience, Seabeck successfully contested and won the newly created seat of Plymouth Moor View in the same 2010 election, maintaining her presence in Westminster. This election resulted in a hung parliament, leading to the formation of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.

Seabeck continued to serve as the MP for Plymouth Moor View until the 2015 general election. In this election, often remembered for the unexpected outright Conservative majority, she lost her seat to the Conservative Party candidate, Johnny Mercer, bringing her parliamentary career to a close after ten years of service.

Shadow Ministerial Contributions

During her tenure as a Member of Parliament, particularly while the Labour Party was in opposition, Alison Seabeck played a vital role within the Shadow Cabinet, scrutinising government policy and developing alternative strategies. She concurrently served as both a Shadow Housing Minister and a Shadow Defence Minister.

As Shadow Housing Minister, Seabeck's responsibilities would have encompassed rigorous examination of the government's housing policies, proposing solutions to pressing national issues such as housing affordability, the lack of social housing, homelessness, and the complex challenges of increasing housing supply across the UK. This role is crucial for an opposition to champion the needs of citizens and hold the ruling party accountable for one of the most fundamental societal provisions.

Simultaneously, her role as Shadow Defence Minister involved overseeing and challenging the government's decisions regarding the United Kingdom's armed forces, defence spending, military operations, and international security commitments. This portfolio demands in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, defence procurement, and strategic alliances like NATO, ensuring robust parliamentary oversight of the Ministry of Defence and the nation's security apparatus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alison Jane Seabeck

When was Alison Jane Seabeck born?

Alison Jane Seabeck was born on 20 January 1954.

What political party did Alison Seabeck represent?

She was a former English politician for the Labour Party.

Which UK parliamentary constituencies did Alison Seabeck represent?

She served as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Devonport from 2005 to 2010. Following boundary changes, she then represented the new seat of Plymouth Moor View from 2010 until 2015.

What specific ministerial roles did Alison Seabeck hold within the Labour Party's Shadow Cabinet?

During her time as an MP, she held dual responsibilities as both a Shadow Housing Minister and a Shadow Defence Minister.

When did Alison Seabeck's parliamentary career conclude?

Her career as an MP ended when she lost her seat for Plymouth Moor View to the Conservative Party at the 2015 general election.