Home | Catherine Fookes

About

About Me

I am the newly elected Welsh Labour MP for Monmouthshire.

We all know there are huge challenges ahead - kick-starting the economy, supporting residents through the cost of living crisis, and combatting the climate and nature emergencies.

But I am ready for that challenge.

I will work hard to make tough decisions to fix the chaos caused by the Tories over the past 13 years, and I will stand up in the House of Commons to strongly and proudly represent this beautiful area we call home.

I've lived in Monmouthshire for over 22 years and been active in the community ever since I moved here. For example, I'm a governor at Monmouth Comprehensive where my son is at school.

As your MP, I will be your champion. I'm driven and focused and I have a track record of delivering for those that need it most. For example, our first act as a new administration was ensuring that Welsh Government's cost of living funding was provided directly to those on the lowest incomes.

Previously, as Chief Executive of a charity which fights for fairness, I turned it around in the six years I was there. I doubled the funding and grew the organisation's impact. I know how to influence government and have won important campaigns.

Together, we are building a fairer, greener more dynamic Monmouthshire constituency.

Pledges

My Pledges

Tackle inequality and invest in public services

I will work hard to fix the damage done to our economy so that businesses can thrive here and we secure jobs. Decades of Tory austerity have starved our public services so I'll fight for more resources from UK government so public services have the funding they need.

Regenerating our towns

For 18 years, from 2004 to 2022, our council was controlled by the Tories. That is why our high streets are shadows of their former selves - the Tories have done nothing to regenerate them. I will support funding bids and campaign to get our fair share of funding from UK government.

Climate and nature emergencies

If we want to preserve our beautiful area for future generations we need to clean up our rivers, clean up and improve our public transport and promote sustainable agriculture while helping our farmers make ends meet. We also need to retrofit our housing stock and create green jobs.

Endorsements

I am proud to be supported by these residents:

Huw Edwards

"Catherine has the experience, energy and personality to be a fantastic MP for everyone in the Monmouthshire constituency. We need a new start after all the Conservative chaos and incompetence that is causing so much hardship and worry to our families. When you meet Catherine you will know she is the person we need."

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Laura McConnel

"Catherine is an inspiring woman who understands the issues that concern young people like me. She looks to our future: protecting the environment, making it affordable to live here and making our communities fairer. She would make a fantastic MP."

Maggie Harkness

"Catherine combines a real passion for social justice with a great capacity for hard work. Always generous with her support for others, she is a team player who focuses on getting things done and making a difference. She is a highly effective politician who would make an outstanding MP for Monmouthshire."

Martin Blakebrough

I am a Liberal Democrat however I believe that the need for change means that we must vote tactically. Labour can win this seat if those of us for change join hands. I support Catherine as she’s worked in the third sector and sees its value. As a CEO of a charity myself I know how important this is for us to have elected representatives who know the pressures facing our work.

Hugo Perks

"I have seen Catherine in action campaigning over several years and have never seen her flustered or without fresh ideas. Her energy appears endless and perhaps her greatest asset is her people skills."

Pam Robinson

"I worked with Catherine during her 2016 Assembly campaign. I loved her energy, enthusiasm and commitment as well as her readiness to listen and learn. I am delighted that she wants to stand for Westminster and it would be great to have a truly local candidate - especially given her recent experience as councillor and cabinet member with MCC"

Roger & Maggie Harris

"As former Councillors, we've known Catherine for many years and her dedication to public service is second to none. She's got the knowledge, the skills and networks to be a formidable candidate and to become our next MP."

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