Sam Rushworth

Rushworth grew up in Blackpool, and was educated at Hodgson High School, a state secondary school in Poulton-le-Fylde. He pursued higher education at the University of Manchester, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in economics and social studies, specialising in development economics. Rushworth furthered his studies with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in international development from the University of Manchester. He also holds a Diploma in Advanced Business French from the ''Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris'' == Early career ==

Rushworth's career began in various roles that laid the foundation for his future work in international development and education. He served as a Project Manager for Stockport Council and later as a Volunteering and Training Manager for the British Red Cross. Rushworth's work in international development began with his work at the Aegis Trust, an organization dedicated to the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities. He also worked as a Lecturer at Macclesfield College of Further Education and has been involved in various research projects. Prior to becoming an MP he was the Programme Manager for the Strategic Research Fund at Durham University, where he oversaw initiatives aimed at fostering innovative research and development. == Political career ==

Rushworth stood in the seats of Blackpool North and Cleveleys in 2015 and Tatton in 2017. He was selected as the Labour Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for Bishop Auckland in 2022, a previously 'Red Wall' seat, but one of many that fell to the Conservatives at the 2019 General Election in 2022. He successfully contested the seat in the 2024 general election, winning 17,036 votes, or 42.1% of the overall vote, with a majority of 6,672. He was also the chair of Bishop Auckland Constituency Labour Party. He has served on the executive board of the Labour Campaign for International Development (LCID) and is known for his advocacy on issues such as child poverty. He is a member of the International Development Select Committee, and chairs the T-levels and Extraordinary Rendition All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG), as well as being co-chair of the Investment Fraud and fairer Financial Services APPG, and a vice chair of the Rural Services, Men and Boys' issues and Climate Nature and Security APPGs. He voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (end of life) Bill, which would legalise assisted dying in the UK at both second and third reading. In May 2025, a man was sentenced to one and half years in prison for repeatedly threatening to kill him, in comments referred to by the judge at sentencing as "vile." In July 2025 he was one of 127 MPs who signed the reasoned amendment protesting against the Universal Credit and PIP Bill, before ultimately voting for the legislation after concessions were made by the Government, including the cancellation of any immediate changes to PIP. == Personal life ==

Rushworth is married to Siobhain, and they have five children He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has worked with the church to bring delegations of women and youth from countries affected by interfaith conflict. He has said that his grandmother died as a result of the Infected Blood Scandal. == References ==