Ms Marie Rimmer
Labour · St Helens South and Whiston
FULL PROFILEMs Marie Rimmer is the Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, first elected in 2015. She is 78 years old. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Healthcare and social care · Local economic development · International human rights · Veterans' affairs · Education funding
Positions
Welfare reform — Opposes cuts to Universal Credit and PIP
strong
Healthcare funding — Supports increased NHS and hospice funding
strong
Immigration — Opposes stricter immigration controls
moderate
EU integration — Supports closer European cooperation
moderate
Veterans' support — Advocates for improved Armed Forces Covenant
moderate
Education funding — Supports full funding of teachers' pay awards
moderate
International human rights — Promotes religious freedom globally
moderate
Local industry support — Champions St Helens glass industry heritage
weak
Notable Rebellions
2025-07-01 — Voted against government welfare reforms despite being a Labour MP, citing constituent concerns about the impact on vulnerable people
2026-02-23 — Supported amendments to strengthen worker protections and environmental standards in trade deals
2025-06-17 — Backed amendments to improve police accountability and community policing measures
Reasoning Style
Constituency-focused and compassionate, often citing personal stories and local examples to illustrate policy impacts. Balances party loyalty with constituent needs, willing to rebel when government policies conflict with her community's interests. Uses parliamentary questions strategically to highlight international human rights issues.
Background
Marie Rimmer entered Parliament in 2015 at age 67 after a career in local government and community activism. Her extensive experience in public service and community work shaped her focus on social justice and local issues.