About
-Mummy, Former MP, Minister, Singer, Songwriter, and Outspoken Northerner.
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Andrea Jenkyns entered politics in 2015 after beating Ed Balls in the seat of Morley and Outwood. Andrea is a straight-talking Yorkshire woman motivated by family, community, and nation – three principles that underlie all that she has done in Parliament.
Never shying away from taking the tough decisions, or speaking out, her plain speaking nature has often attracted national attention. She hasn’t been afraid to challenge her own Government, putting people ahead of party political interests.
For nearly a decade, Dame Andrea has been interviewed on most of the national media channels, she has contributed in TV panels and written articles for national newspapers.
Andrea is also a soprano, Singer and Songwriter, and Former vocal coach. She previously released her own album of original songs. She has also sang and performed in the UK, Europe and Asia.
Andrea is a proud Mummy to 7 year old Clifford and has three dogs Gertrude, Guineviere and Suzy. She has also been an animal welfare campaigner for over twenty years, campaigns for Children who are neuro diverse and is involved in supporting charities such as, the Royal British Legion.
Director, Charity & Other work
Health Care - Dame Andrea entered politics after the tragic death of her father.
Clifford her son is named after her late and beloved father, whose tragic death in 2011 was the driving force behind Andrea’s entry into politics. Following the loss of her father, Andrea became a Trustee and the Regional Representative for the charity MRSA Action UK and has been campaigning for compassionate patient care since then.
Andrea’s beloved mother, Valerie, sadly passed away in December 2022 from SEPSIS. Having seen the disparity in healthcare and treatment, Dame Andrea remains committed to ensuring that every patient is able to access high-quality, compassionate healthcare. Whilst an MP she founded the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group on Patient Safety, and at the time worked closely with the Patients Association UK and together produced reports on matters relating to patient safety.
Social Mobility & Education
Dame Andrea is passionate about social mobility and education. She is a firm believer that a good education is important to help people change their life circumstances. In Parliament, Andrea was the government Minister for Skills, Further & Higher Education and Apprenticeships. Prior to this she was Deputy Chairman of the Social Mobility APPG and also chaired the Education All Party Parliamentary Group. She herself has also taught in both primary and secondary schools.
For two and a half years Andrea was a Director of Higher Education Policy at the University of Bolton. She set-up and ran their think-tank and worked with global education leaders on formulating reports on education and social mobility. Including producing a report on the impact of Covid related lock-downs on children.
Dame Andrea is also passionate about supporting those who have special educational needs, both her and her young son Clifford have ADHD, and she fights to ensure that a child's disability should never prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Andrea retrained and entered higher education in her late thirties, obtaining a BA Hon Degree (2:1) in International Relations & Politics and also a Diploma in Economics (2:1) from the Open University.
Prior to politics Dame Andrea spent eighteen years in retail management and progressed to senior management.
Board Level Roles
Director -Net Zero Watch 2023-to date
Net Zero Watch highlights the serious implications of expensive and poorly considered climate change policies on the British Taxpayer.
We scrutinise policies, establish what they really cost, determine who will have to pay, and explore affordable alternatives.
Director of Higher Education Policy for The University of Bolton 2019-2021
For two and a half years Andrea was a Director of Higher Education Policy at the University of Bolton. She set-up and ran their think-tank and worked with global education leaders on formulating reports on education and social mobility. Including producing a report on the impact of Covid related lock-downs on children. Andrea left the role when she was appointed a Government Whip.
Charities
Patron of Second Chance Brain Injury Charity
Andrea has recently been made a Patron of Second Chance Charity. This is a subsidiary of the national chairty Headway. And supports people living with a brain injury.
Trustee of MRSA Action UK Charity
For several years Andrea and her beloved late Mother Valerie were trustees of the charity after the death of her father from hospital acquired MRSA.
Qualifications
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BA Hon in Intenational Relations & Politics (2:1)
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Diploma in Economics (2:1) from the Open University.
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ILM (Institute in leadership & Managment) Level 5 in leadership & Management.