Sam Rushworth
Labour · Bishop Auckland
FULL PROFILESam Rushworth is the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, first elected in 2024. As a government backbencher seeking advancement, they are likely to vote loyally.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Education and boys' underachievement · Healthcare and pharmacy services · Rural affairs and countryside management · Transport and bus services · Parliamentary conduct and accountability
Positions
Boys' education — Supports urgent national strategy to address working class boys' underachievement
strong
Grouse shooting — Defends driven grouse shooting after moorland education experience
moderate
Bus services — Supports government ambition for bespoke hospital bus services in County Durham
moderate
Concert ticket reform — Advocates for reforming concert ticket sales to help working people
weak
Government accountability — Supports making those in positions of trust accountable
moderate
Universal credit — Critical of universal credit system based on family experience
moderate
Transport investment — Defends government transport spending against Conservative criticism
weak
Parliamentary conduct — Criticises Reform Party members for harassment and improper behaviour
moderate
Notable Rebellions
2025-06-17 — Voted Aye against government position, possibly supporting additional police powers or protections
2025-06-17 — Voted No against a new clause, showing selective rebellion on specific aspects of crime policy
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and evidence-based, often drawing on personal and family experiences to inform positions. Shows willingness to change views when presented with new evidence (as with grouse shooting after moorland visit). Combines professional medical background with constituency-focused advocacy.
Background
Sam Rushworth is a doctor who entered politics after a career in medicine. His twin sister is a local pharmacist who put herself through pharmacy school while on universal credit as a single parent, suggesting a family background that understands both professional healthcare and economic hardship.