Alex Sobel
Labour (Co-op) · Leeds Central and Headingley
FULL PROFILEAlex Sobel is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, first elected in 2017. He is 50 years old. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Environmental protection and climate change · International human rights · Food and agriculture policy · Electoral reform · Ukraine and international affairs
Positions
Immigration and asylum — Liberal approach opposing stricter controls
strong
Environmental protection — Strong advocate for climate action and pollution reduction
strong
International human rights — Active supporter of human rights globally
strong
Electoral reform — Supports proportional representation and lowering voting age
moderate
Brexit and EU relations — Critical of Brexit impacts, pro-European integration
moderate
Reproductive rights — Supports easier access to abortion
moderate
Workers' rights — Opposes exploitation of agency workers
moderate
Ukraine support — Strong advocate for Ukraine, appointed Trade Envoy
strong
Notable Rebellions
2025-07-09 — Rebelled to support amendments strengthening welfare protections
2025-07-09 — Voted for additional welfare safeguards against party position
Reasoning Style
Evidence-based and internationally-focused, drawing on specific examples and data (cites LSE analysis on inheritance tax, references concrete impacts of Brexit on food production). Combines constituency concerns with broader policy principles, particularly on environmental and human rights issues.
Background
Before entering Parliament in 2017, Alex Sobel worked in the cooperative sector and had involvement in environmental and social justice campaigns. His appointment as UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine in 2026 reflects his international affairs expertise.