Mr Toby Perkins
Labour · Chesterfield
FULL PROFILEMr Toby Perkins is the Labour MP for Chesterfield, first elected in 2010. He is 55 years old. As a long-serving backbencher without ministerial appointment, they have more freedom to vote independently.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Energy policy and net zero · Environmental protection and biodiversity · Local economic development · Flood defences and infrastructure · Defence procurement and veterans' affairs
Positions
Energy and Environment — Strong advocate for renewable energy, biomethane support, and home energy efficiency programs
strong
Local Infrastructure — Supports major government investment in local projects like Staveley bypass and flood defences
strong
Immigration and Asylum — Opposes stricter immigration controls and asylum restrictions
moderate
European Union — Pro-EU integration despite representing Leave-voting constituency
moderate
Defence — Critical of defence procurement failures while supporting veterans' rights
moderate
Taxation — Supports higher taxes on wealthy including bankers' bonus tax and higher income tax rates
moderate
Pub Industry — Advocates for government support for struggling pubs and hospitality sector
weak
Biodiversity — Pushes for increased international funding commitments for biodiversity protection
weak
Notable Rebellions
2019-12-20 — Voted Aye despite Labour opposition, possibly reflecting complex position on Brexit implementation despite pro-Remain stance
Reasoning Style
Pragmatic and constituency-focused, combining evidence-based policy arguments with strong advocacy for local economic interests. Balances party loyalty with independent thinking on complex issues like Brexit, and uses detailed technical knowledge to challenge government on policy implementation.
Background
Before entering Parliament, Toby Perkins worked in business and local government, developing expertise in economic development and environmental issues that would later inform his parliamentary focus on energy policy and local economic growth.