About Me

Coventry made me.

I was born in Walsgrave hospital, after my parents settled here from Ireland.

I grew up and went to school in the city under the Tories and Margaret Thatcher.

Despite those hard times for our city, my teachers helped me win a place at Oxford.

This led me to a job in Brussels, followed by teaching at Cranfield University.

People in Coventry opened the door to opportunity for me which led to a life of public service.

That’s why I’m determined to work hard for the people of my home city.

I want everyone to get the chances that they deserve to thrive.

I was elected as Member of Parliament for Coventry East in July 2024.

I was honoured to serve in the Labour government as Minister for Nature for two years until July 2026.

Mary wearing a red coat smiling and talking with a paramedic wearing his green uniform and with "Ambulance" on his back in a bright, modern hospital building.
Mary standing in front of West Midlands Police station, wearing a blue suit with her arms folded.
Three people in a subway station engaging with wall art; one is in a wheelchair with colorful butterfly designs on the wheels.
Mary sitting on a chair looking through a photo album, wearing a floral blouse and dark blazer, near a window.
Mary, wearing an orange high-visibility vest chatting to a group of people wearing high-visibility vests and hard hats at a construction site.
Smiling person with short hair wearing a red coat, standing on a city street with cars in the background.