Andy McDonald (politician)

Andrew McDonald was born on 8 March 1958,{{cite web |title=Thompsons Solicitors LLP |url=http://www.dellam.com/OC356468-THOMPSONS%20SOLICITORS%20LLP.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115214/http://www.dellam.com/OC356468-THOMPSONS%20SOLICITORS%20LLP.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=30 November 2012 |publisher=Dellam Corporate Information}} in the Acklam area of Middlesbrough.{{cite news|url=http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/10025844.Solicitor_chosen_as_Middlesbrough_Labour_candidate_for_by_election/|title=Andy McDonald chosen as Middlesbrough Labour candidate in by-election to replace the late Sir Stuart Bell|date=4 November 2012|work=Darlington and Stockton Times|access-date=30 November 2011|archive-date=22 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222095227/https://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/10025844.Solicitor_chosen_as_Middlesbrough_Labour_candidate_for_by_election/|url-status=live}}

He was educated at a number of local schools, including St. Francis Primary School, St. Edward's Primary School and St. George's Secondary School (which later became Trinity Catholic College, Middlesbrough). He attended St. Mary's Sixth Form College before studying a degree in law at Leeds Polytechnic.

Upon completing his law degree, McDonald worked as a solicitor for over 25 years. He was a senior solicitor at the Middlesbrough office of Thompsons Solicitors and led the firm's Serious Injury Unit for the Cumbria, Humberside, North East and Yorkshire areas. He was also the firm's Head of Military Claims for members of the British Armed Forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/personal-injury-specialists-middlesbrough/senior-serious-injury-solicitor-middlesbrough.htm|title=Andrew McDonald|publisher=Thompsons Solicitors|access-date=31 October 2012|archive-date=7 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007211022/http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/personal-injury-specialists-middlesbrough/senior-serious-injury-solicitor-middlesbrough.htm|url-status=live}} Whilst working for the firm, McDonald acted as an adviser to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee for its 2003 report on Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation.{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmdfence/96/96.pdf|title=House of Commons Defence Committee: Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation :First Report of Session 2003–04 Volume I:Report, together with formal minutes|publisher=The Stationery Office Limited|access-date=30 November 2012|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009130331/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmdfence/96/96.pdf|url-status=live}} He has also served as both Chair and as Secretary of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers' Military Special Interest Group, and was a founder member of The Royal British Legion's Solicitors Group.

McDonald was active in local politics in Middlesbrough for many years. He served as a Labour councillor for Westbourne ward from 1995 to 1999.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Black+day+for+jobs%3B+Your+Say.-a0198470903|title=Black day for jobs; Your Say.|date=25 April 2009|access-date=1 December 2012|work=Evening Gazette|archive-date=9 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609121859/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Black+day+for+jobs%3b+Your+Say.-a0198470903|url-status=live}} At the time of his selection as a parliamentary candidate, he was chairman of Middlesbrough Labour Party Local Government Committee.{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/middlesbrough/regional/10025767.Solicitor_voted_in_as_Middlesbrough_Labour_candidate/|title=Trade Union solicitor Andy McDonald will stand as Labour candidate in Middlesbrough bi-election|date=4 November 2012|work=The Northern Echo|access-date=30 November 2011}}

Labour shortlisted McDonald as a potential candidate for the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in the 2010 general election. However, Tom Blenkinsop was the eventual choice.

McDonald was elected to Parliament when he won the Middlesbrough by-election held on 29 November 2012, retaining the seat for Labour following the death of Sir Stuart Bell. McDonald increased the party's share of the vote to 60.5%, though his majority was reduced by 500 to 8,211.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-20527532|title=Middlesbrough by-election: Labour's Andy McDonald wins|date=30 November 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=30 November 2012|archive-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009130337/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-20527532|url-status=live}}

Since his election to Parliament, he has campaigned against the "Bedroom Tax" (part of the Welfare Reform Act 2012) and in favour of nationalisation of the East Coast Main Line franchise, arguing that the Scotland-London railway had been the only one in the country "which comes close to paying for itself" and that journey numbers, revenue and customer satisfaction had grown since nationalisation in 2009.{{cite news |date=6 June 2013 |title=East Coast railway line reprivatisation 'baffling' – MP |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-22785267 |access-date=17 June 2023 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135112/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-22785267 |url-status=live }}

In February 2013, he was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Emily Thornberry, the Shadow Attorney General. Following Ed Miliband's shadow cabinet reshuffle in October 2013, he became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Chuka Umunna, in Umunna's role as Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/nothing-can-prepare-you-this-6395591|title='Nothing can prepare you for this': Andy McDonald looks back on first year as Middlesbrough MP|work=Teesside Live|last=Dale|first=Sarah|date=11 December 2013|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026192448/https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/nothing-can-prepare-you-this-6395591|url-status=live}}

At the 2015 general election, McDonald was re-elected with an increased vote share of 56.8% and an increased majority of 12,477.{{cite web |title=Election Data 2015 |url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112223/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=17 October 2015 |publisher=Electoral Calculus}}

In January 2016, McDonald was appointed to Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet to replace Jonathan Reynolds, who resigned as Shadow Minister for Rail in protest after Corbyn sacked Pat McFadden.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35249508?ocid=socialflow_twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=twitter |title=Jeremy Corbyn finalises shadow cabinet reshuffle |work=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009130337/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35249508?ocid=socialflow_twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=twitter |url-status=live }}

In June 2016, he was promoted to Shadow Transport Secretary during Corbyn's post-Brexit Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36632956|title=Jeremy Corbyn unveils new top team after resignations|work=BBC News|date=27 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626080319/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36632956|url-status=live}} In his time as Shadow Transport Secretary, McDonald oversaw the development of Labour's policy to nationalise the railways. On the 25th anniversary of the privatisation of the railways, McDonald said privatisation had failed since the taxpayer was "putting in even more money to the privatised system than when it was nationalised", and that nationalisation would allow a Labour government to cap fares and run the railways in the interest of passengers.{{cite web |date=5 November 2018 |title=Privatising Britain's railways cost taxpayers £5bn per year and increased fares, Labour claims |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trains-railways-fares-privatisation-labour-5bn-john-major-nationalisation-a8617321.html |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=The Independent |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135112/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trains-railways-fares-privatisation-labour-5bn-john-major-nationalisation-a8617321.html |url-status=live }}

At the snap 2017 general election, McDonald was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 65.7% and an increased majority of 13,873.{{cite web |date=17 May 2017 |title=Election 2017: Middlesbrough |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000819 |access-date=27 September 2018 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411104136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000819 |url-status=live }}

In March 2018, McDonald was accused of comparing the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust by Karen Pollock, the chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust{{cite news|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/andy-mcdonald-denies-comparing-palestine-14460016|title=Andy McDonald denies comparing Palestine situation to Holocaust amid Jeremy Corbyn anti-Semitism row|last=Brown|first=Mike|date=26 March 2018|access-date=30 October 2023|website=TessideLive|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030184908/https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/andy-mcdonald-denies-comparing-palestine-14460016|url-status=live}}

At the 2019 general election, McDonald was again re-elected, seeing his share of the vote decrease to 50.5% and his majority reduced to 8,395.{{cite web |date=15 November 2019 |title=Election of a Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough |url=https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Elections-2019-parliamentary-Persons-Nominated-Notice-Poll-Polling-Stations.pdf |access-date=17 November 2019 |publisher=Middlesbrough Council |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508072405/https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Elections-2019-parliamentary-Persons-Nominated-Notice-Poll-Polling-Stations.pdf |url-status=live }}

In April 2020, incoming leader Keir Starmer moved McDonald to the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights and Protections.{{cite news |last=Rodgers |first=Sienna |title=Shadow ministers appointed as Starmer completes frontbench |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/04/shadow-ministers-appointed-as-starmer-completes-frontbench/ |work=LabourList |date=9 April 2020 |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-date=10 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410151003/https://labourlist.org/2020/04/shadow-ministers-appointed-as-starmer-completes-frontbench/ |url-status=live }} McDonald was the chair of Labour's "Power in the Workplace Taskforce" which provided input into Labour's Employment Rights' Green Paper published in September 2021. The paper stated that "Labour is demanding that the minimum wage is immediately raised to at least £10 per hour for all workers".{{cite book|last=McDonald|first=Andy|url=https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Employment-Rights-Green-Paper.pdf|title=Employment Rights Green Paper: A New Deal for Working People|last2=Rayner|first2=Angela|last3=Hussain|first3=Imran|publisher=The Labour Party|year=2021|location=Brighton|pages=4|author-link=Andy McDonald (politician)|author-link2=Angela Rayner|author-link3=Imran Hussain (British politician)|access-date=1 October 2021|archive-date=1 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001225158/https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Employment-Rights-Green-Paper.pdf|url-status=live}} In September 2021, McDonald resigned as Shadow Secretary, citing lack of support from Starmer for an increase in the minimum wage to £15 per hour. He said he had been instructed by Starmer's office to argue at the Labour Party Conference "against a national minimum wage of £15 an hour and against statutory sick pay at the living wage".{{cite news|title=Shadow cabinet member Andy McDonald quits in protest at Sir Keir Starmer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58713175|work=BBC News|date=27 September 2021|access-date=27 September 2021|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927163554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58713175|url-status=live}}

In April 2023, using parliamentary privilege when speaking in the House of Commons, McDonald alleged "shocking, industrial-scale corruption" surrounding the Teesworks free port development near Redcar.{{cite news |date=31 May 2023 |title=Mayor brands MP 'liar and a coward' in project row |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-65766566 |access-date=17 June 2023 |work=BBC News |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135112/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-65766566 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Jennifer |date=16 May 2023 |title=Labour demands full investigation into Teesside freeport project |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0308d5e4-1e7e-44e8-aa07-e76960adcbdd |access-date=17 June 2023 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135111/https://www.ft.com/content/0308d5e4-1e7e-44e8-aa07-e76960adcbdd |url-status=live }} In May 2023, the government commissioned an independent review into the allegations.{{cite news |last=Gill |first=Oliver |date=3 May 2023 |title=BP demands guarantee that Britain's biggest freeport is not corrupt |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/05/03/bp-freeport-teesworks-anticorruption-pledge-labour/ |access-date=17 June 2023 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/05/03/bp-freeport-teesworks-anticorruption-pledge-labour/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Fresh Teesworks investigation ordered by government following 'corruption' allegations |url=https://news.sky.com/story/fresh-teesworks-investigation-ordered-by-government-following-corruption-allegations-12888443 |access-date=17 June 2023 |work=Sky News |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135111/https://news.sky.com/story/fresh-teesworks-investigation-ordered-by-government-following-corruption-allegations-12888443 |url-status=live }} In the subsequent report published in January 2024, the review found no evidence to support allegations of corruption or illegality whilst going on to make recommendations to improve governance and transparency of the project.{{cite web |title=Independent review report: South Tees Development Corporation and Teesworks Joint Venture |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-report-south-tees-development-corporation-and-teesworks-joint-venture |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=GOV.UK |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130124954/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-report-south-tees-development-corporation-and-teesworks-joint-venture |url-status=live }}

In June 2023, McDonald condemned the government's proposal to house 1,500 asylum seekers on a barge, possibly in Middlesbrough.{{cite news |last=Frazer |first=Kayleigh |date=7 June 2023 |title=MP condemns 'out of touch' Middlesbrough barge proposals |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23572853.mp-condemns-out-touch-middlesbrough-barge-proposals/ |website=Northern Echo |accessdate=17 June 2023 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617135113/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23572853.mp-condemns-out-touch-middlesbrough-barge-proposals/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, McDonald lost the Labour whip after using the phrase "between the river to the sea" at a pro-Palestine rally. Consequently, he sat as an independent MP.{{cite news |date=31 October 2023 |title=Andy McDonald: Labour suspends MP after speech at pro-Palestinian rally |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67268154 |access-date=1 November 2023 |website=BBC News |archive-date=1 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101164917/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67268154 |url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Boffey | first=Daniel | title='From the river to the sea': where does the slogan come from and what does it mean? | website=the Guardian | date=31 October 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/from-the-river-to-the-sea-where-does-the-slogan-come-from-and-what-does-it-mean-israel-palestine#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20won't%20rest%20until,Solidarity%20Campaign%20at%20the%20weekend. | access-date=31 October 2023 | archive-date=14 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114053637/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/from-the-river-to-the-sea-where-does-the-slogan-come-from-and-what-does-it-mean-israel-palestine#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20won't%20rest%20until,Solidarity%20Campaign%20at%20the%20weekend. | url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Gutteridge |first=Nick |date=30 October 2023 |title=Labour MP Andy McDonald suspended over 'between the river and the sea' speech |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231030212823/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/10/30/labour-mp-andy-mcdonald-suspended-river-sea-speech/ |archive-date=30 October 2023 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/10/30/labour-mp-andy-mcdonald-suspended-river-sea-speech/ |access-date=30 October 2023 |issn=0307-1235}} In early November 2023, McDonald announced that he would sue Conservative MP Chris Clarkson over his response to his comments.{{cite news |last=Adu |first=Aletha |date=2 November 2023 |title=Andy McDonald sues Tory MP who accused him of 'seeking to justify' Hamas atrocity |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/02/andy-mcdonald-to-sue-tory-mp-who-accused-him-of-seeking-to-justify-hamas-atrocity |access-date=6 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106173432/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/02/andy-mcdonald-to-sue-tory-mp-who-accused-him-of-seeking-to-justify-hamas-atrocity |url-status=live }} McDonald had the Labour whip reinstated on 11 March 2024.{{cite web |date=13 March 2024 |title='Parliamentary career for Andy McDonald – MPs and Lords – UK Parliament' |url=https://members.parliament.uk/member/4269/career |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=UK Parliament |archive-date=13 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313103139/https://members.parliament.uk/member/4269/career |url-status=live }} This was confirmed by a Labour Party spokesperson.{{Cite web |date=13 March 2024 |title=MP regains Labour whip after suspension for using pro-Palestinian phrase |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2y5x311njo |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=BBC News}} The party's investigation found that he had "not engaged in conduct that was against the party's rulebook". In a statement McDonald said, "It was never my intention to use words that would cause anyone distress or anguish and I bitterly regret the pain and hurt caused. Accordingly, I will not use that phrasing again."

Due to the 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies, McDonald's constituency of Middlesbrough was abolished, and replaced with Middlesbrough and Thornaby East. At the 2024 general election, McDonald was elected to Parliament as MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East with 47.2% of the vote and a majority of 9,192.{{cite web |date=5 July 2024 |title=Election results |url=https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/elections/election-results |access-date=12 July 2024 |publisher=Middlesbrough Council}}{{cite web |date=5 July 2024 |title=Middlesbrough and Thornaby East results |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2024/uk/constituencies/E14001367 |access-date=12 July 2024}}

McDonald was a governor of Abingdon Primary School for fifteen years until 2010, and became a governor of Middlesbrough College in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbro.ac.uk/Home/index/Governors/profiles/andrewmcdonald.aspx|title=Governing Body Membership:Mr Andrew McDonald College Governor|publisher=Middlesbrough College|access-date=1 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221095416/http://www.mbro.ac.uk/Home/index/Governors/profiles/andrewmcdonald.aspx|archive-date=21 December 2014|url-status=dead}} He has also been chair of two charities in his constituency, the Davison Trust, which works with children with special needs, and the Teesside branch of Headway, which works with people with brain injuries.

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website}}
• {{Bluesky}}
• {{UK MP links | parliament = andy-mcdonald/4269 | publicwhip = andy_mcdonald | theywork = andy_mcdonald}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141221095416/http://www.mbro.ac.uk/Home/index/Governors/profiles/andrewmcdonald.aspx Profile at Middlesbrough College]
• {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007211022/http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/personal-injury-specialists-middlesbrough/senior-serious-injury-solicitor-middlesbrough.htm |date=7 October 2011 |title=Profile at Thompsons Solicitors}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-par|uk}}

{{s-bef|before=Stuart Bell}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament
for Middlesbrough|years=2012–2024}}

{{s-non|reason=Constituency abolished}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-new|constituency}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament
for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East|years=2024–present}}

{{s-inc}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Lilian Greenwood}}

{{s-ttl|title=Shadow Secretary of State for Transport|years=2016–2020}}

{{s-aft|after=Jim McMahon}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Rachael Maskell}}

{{s-ttl|title=Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights and Protections|years=2020–2021}}

{{s-aft|after=Alison McGovern}}

{{s-end}}

{{Labour Party UK MPs|North East England}}

{{Socialist Campaign Group}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McDonald, Andy}}

Category:1958 births

Category:Living people

Category:Alumni of Leeds Beckett University

Category:Councillors in North East England

Category:English people of Irish descent

Category:English solicitors

Category:Independent members of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom

Category:Labour Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies

Category:Politicians from Middlesbrough

Category:UK councillors 1995–1999

Category:UK MPs 2010–2015

Category:UK MPs 2015–2017

Category:UK MPs 2017–2019

Category:UK MPs 2019–2024

Category:UK MPs 2024–present

Category:Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East

Category:Socialist Campaign Group