Baroness Hayman: A Career in British Public Service
The political trajectory of Baroness Hayman is marked by a steadfast commitment to the Labour Party and a dedicated focus on environmental and rural issues. From her early attempts to enter Parliament to her eventual elevation to the House of Lords, her career reflects a journey of persistence and public service within the United Kingdom's legislative framework.
Early Political Aspirations
Before achieving national office, Hayman sought election through several competitive channels. In 2004, she was placed third on the Labour party list for the West Midlands in the European Parliament election, though she was not elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). She subsequently contested the 2005 general election for Preseli Pembrokeshire, following the departure of incumbent MP Jackie Lawrence, but was defeated by Conservative candidate Stephen Crabb.
Her pursuit of a parliamentary seat continued into the 2010 general election, where she contested Halesowen and Rowley Regis. Despite the seat having been held by Labour's Sylvia Heal since 1997, Hayman lost the constituency to James Morris of the Conservative Party.
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Local Government Experience
In 2013, Hayman transitioned to local governance, winning election to represent the Howgate division on the Cumbria County Council. During her tenure, she served as the vice-chair of the Children's Scrutiny Committee, a role she held until her resignation shortly after entering Parliament in 2015.
Tenure in the House of Commons
The 2015 general election marked a historic milestone for Hayman. Elected as the MP for Workington via an all women shortlist (a recruitment process designed to increase female representation), she became the first woman to represent a constituency in Cumbria.
Her early parliamentary roles included a stint on the Justice Select Committee from July to October 2015, followed by a period as an opposition whip between September 2015 and October 2016. During this time, she successfully campaigned against the closure of the Workington magistrates court, leading the Ministry of Justice to announce in February 2016 that the court would remain open.
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Ministerial Roles and Policy Focus
Hayman's influence grew within the Shadow Cabinet. After supporting Owen Smith in the 2016 leadership challenge against Jeremy Corbyn, she was appointed Shadow Minister for Flooding and Coastal Communities in October 2016. By February 2017, she was promoted to Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) following the resignation of Rachael Maskell.
She successfully defended her Workington seat in the June 2017 general election with a majority of 3,925 (9.4%). During this campaign, she faced allegations from the Conservative candidate regarding election rule breaches over constituent mailings. However, the Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons did not investigate the complaint, as the mailings were directed to flood victims and were unrelated to the election.
Advocacy and European Relations
Beyond her ministerial duties, Hayman served as co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy and vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Business. She also contributed to the New Statesman, writing on animal welfare and environmental issues.
Regarding the 2016 UK EU membership referendum, Hayman advocated for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union. In subsequent indicative votes on March 27, she supported a referendum on a Brexit withdrawal agreement, a customs union with the EU, and the "Norway-plus" model.
Her time in the House of Commons concluded in the 2019 general election, when she lost her seat to Conservative candidate Mark Jenkinson.
Elevation to the House of Lords
In July 2020, Hayman was nominated for a peerage. On September 9, 2020, she was created Baroness Hayman of Ullock, of Ullock in the County of Cumbria. In a gesture reflecting her commitment to animal welfare, she chose to wear faux fur robes during her oath of allegiance.
Since entering the Lords, she has continued her focus on rural and environmental policy, serving as a shadow DEFRA spokesperson and an opposition whip starting in October 2020, and later as a shadow DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) spokesperson in December 2021.
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Key Facts
- First Female MP for Cumbria: Achieved this milestone upon her election for Workington in 2015.
- DEFRA Leadership: Served as Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Peerage: Created Baroness Hayman of Ullock in September 2020.
- Animal Welfare Advocacy: Wrote for the New Statesman and wore faux fur robes for her peerage oath.
- Local Government: Former vice-chair of the Children's Scrutiny Committee for Cumbria County Council.
| Period/Year | Role/Event | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | Cumbria County Council | Represented Howgate division |
| 2015-2019 | MP for Workington | First female MP for a Cumbria constituency |
| 2017 | Shadow Secretary of State | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
| 2020-Present | House of Lords | Baroness Hayman of Ullock |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Baroness Hayman's 2015 election significant?
Her election was significant because she became the first female Member of Parliament to represent a constituency within the county of Cumbria.
What was her role regarding the Workington magistrates court?
Hayman campaigned against the closure of the court, and her efforts were successful when the Ministry of Justice announced in February 2016 that the court would remain open.
What was her stance on the UK's membership in the European Union?
She supported the UK remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum and later voted in favor of a customs union and the Norway-plus model.
How did she demonstrate her commitment to animal welfare during her peerage?
Upon being created Baroness Hayman of Ullock, she chose to wear faux fur robes instead of traditional fur during her oath of allegiance.
Which shadow portfolios has she held in the House of Lords?
She has served as a shadow DEFRA spokesperson, an opposition whip, and a shadow DLUHC spokesperson.