Born in Denton, the third of eight children, Catherine’s roots in Newcastle North are deep.

She grew up in the west end of Newcastle, attending Sacred Heart Comprehensive School in Fenham. Her family goes back generations in this area and currently live throughout Newcastle North constituency; in Newburn, Denton, Lemington, Gosforth and Woolsington.

Whilst studying politics and history at University in Edinburgh, Catherine was active in various student organisations campaigning on international human rights and environmental issues. It was from that platform that Catherine was elected onto the Edinburgh University Students Association and appointed as Finance Officer. Catherine campaigned for fair trade goods to be sold in all University outlets, something which was achieved by the time she graduated in the year 2000.

Catherine and her husband Rhys live in Gosforth and have two young children. Having personally experienced the kinds of challenges faced by many parents, Catherine knows firsthand the benefits of the NHS and labour government policy which has prioritised the welfare of young families.

Catherine works as an employment solicitor with a large Newcastle law firm, which has given her an ideal skills base for representing constituents. She appears regularly in the Employment Tribunals, as well as providing legal advice and guidance to clients and mediating disputes. Catherine has also spent time over the last two years assisting her husband in running his cafe and events business, providing her with a unique insight into the challenges faced by small businesses, as well as involvement in developing business plans and sales and marketing campaigns.

As a person who is passionate about the North East, Catherine wants to ensure that it is Labour that represents the residents in this constituency, to ensure that public money continues to be invested in those that need it most. Catherine will work tirelessly to represent this constituency and to be a strong voice for Newcastle North at Westminster.