Matthew Pennycook
Labour · Greenwich and Woolwich
FULL PROFILEMatthew Pennycook is the Labour MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, first elected in 2015. He is 43 years old. He currently serves as Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government). As a payroll vote member, they are expected to vote with the government on virtually all divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Housing policy and regulation · Climate change and environmental policy · Tenant rights and private rental sector · Planning and development · Immigration and asylum policy
Positions
Housing regulation — Strong support for tenant protections and landlord regulation
strong
Climate policy — Supports net zero policies and environmental protections
moderate
Immigration — Opposes stricter immigration controls
strong
European integration — Strong pro-EU position
strong
Abortion access — Supports easier access to abortion services
moderate
Planning reform — Supports brownfield development and green belt protection
strong
COVID-19 measures — Supported government restrictions to reduce spread
moderate
Government transparency — Supports greater openness and transparency
moderate
Reasoning Style
Policy-focused and evidence-based, drawing on research background. Approaches issues through detailed technical analysis, particularly on housing and planning matters. Balances ideological principles with pragmatic implementation as a government minister.
Background
Before entering Parliament, Pennycook worked in policy and research roles, including time at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank, developing expertise in housing policy and social issues.