Graham Stringer
Labour · Blackley and Middleton South
FULL PROFILEGraham Stringer is the Labour MP for Blackley and Middleton South, first elected in 1997. He is 76 years old. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Brexit and EU relations · Criminal justice and parole system · Greater Manchester policing · Energy policy and renewable contracts · COVID-19 restrictions and civil liberties
Positions
Brexit — Strong Leave supporter, advocates for 'People's Brexit'
strong
COVID-19 restrictions — Opposes lockdown measures and health protection regulations
strong
Criminal justice — Supports parole board reform and opposes jury trial cuts
moderate
Taxation — Supports higher taxes on wealthy (bankers' bonus tax, additional rate)
moderate
Healthcare privatisation — Opposes foundation hospitals and NHS privatisation
moderate
Civil liberties — Supports transparency, opposes authoritarian measures
moderate
Immigration — Opposes stricter immigration and asylum systems
weak
Social issues — Liberal on abortion access and animal welfare (fox hunting)
weak
Notable Rebellions
2026-01-20 — Voted against government on multiple Lords amendments, likely opposing sovereignty concessions
2025-07-09 — Opposed welfare reforms at Second and Third Reading, supporting reasoned amendment
2021-12-14 — Consistently opposed COVID-19 restrictions and health protection measures throughout pandemic
Reasoning Style
Principled and constituency-focused, willing to rebel against party line on matters of sovereignty and civil liberties. Takes evidence-based approach to policy issues, particularly on technical matters like energy contracts and policing effectiveness. Shows pragmatic concern for local Greater Manchester issues while maintaining strong ideological positions on Brexit and COVID restrictions.
Background
Graham Stringer has a background in local government, having served as Leader of Manchester City Council before entering Parliament in 1997.