Holly Walker-Lynch

This article is about the British politician. For the actress, see Holly Lynch.
Holly Lynch
MP
Member of Parliament
for Halifax
Assumed office
7 May 2015
Preceded by Linda Riordan
Majority 428 (1.0%)
Personal details
Born (1986-10-08) 8 October 1986
Halifax, England
Political party Labour
Spouse(s) Chris Walker
Alma mater Lancaster University
Website Official website

Holly Lynch (born 8 October 1986), also known as Holly Walker-Lynch, is a British Labour politician. She has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Halifax since the 2015 general election.[1]

Lynch was given just over six weeks to retain the marginal seat of Halifax for Labour having only been selected as the party’s candidate at the end of March 2015.[2]

Labour’s search for a new candidate was triggered by the decision of sitting MP Linda Riordan in February to stand down on health grounds.[3] Her decision, and Lynch’s subsequent selection, set up one of the most closely fought contests in Yorkshire in the election.

Riordan had held Halifax for Labour in 2010 by a majority of just 1,472 votes, and the seat was considered a key target for the Conservative Party.[4] Lynch was successful on election night and held the Halifax seat for Labour with a majority of just 428 votes over the Conservative candidate.[5]

Early life

Lynch was born in Halifax and grew up in Northowram. She then attended Brighouse High School and studied Politics & History at Lancaster University.[6] She worked in a fast food outlet in Halifax town centre, before joining a small local business involved in exporting Halifax goods around the world.[6]

Political career

Lynch made her maiden speech in the House of Commons on 9 June 2015.[7] She stated her priorities as being Human Rights, the UK's relations with Europe and the protection of services at Calderdale Royal Hospital.[8]

Lynch was a member of the Environmental Audit Committee from July to October 2015 and was appointed to the Procedure Committee in February 2016.[9]

Lynch was appointed as an Opposition Whip in the Commons on 18 September 2015

Lynch is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fairtrade[10] and the Co-Chair on the British Museum and Population, Development and Reproductive Health.[8]

Lynch is a member of All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Migration, Britain-Palestine, Labour Friends of Palenstine and the Middle East, Art and Health, Kashmir, Policing and Rugby Union.[8]

Personal life

Lynch married Chris Walker in December 2014.[11]

Lynch is a former rugby union player for both Lancaster University and Halifax Vandals and has talked of her desire to encourage others to take up the sport.[12]

References

External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Linda Riordan
Member of Parliament
for Halifax

2015–present
Incumbent
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