Sam Rushworth | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Member of Parliament forBishop Auckland | |
| Assumed office 4 July 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Dehenna Davison |
| Majority | 6,672 (16.5%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1984 (age 40–41) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Labour |
| Alma mater | University of Manchester University of East Anglia |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | https://www.samrushworth.co.uk/ |
Samuel Jonathan Rushworth (born 1984) is aBritish Labour Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) forBishop Auckland since2024.[1] He previously worked in international development.
Rushworth grew up inBlackpool, and was educated atHodgson High School, a state secondary school inPoulton-le-Fylde. He pursued higher education at theUniversity of Manchester, where he earned aBachelor of Arts (BA) degree in economics and social studies, specialising in development economics.[2]
Rushworth furthered his studies with aMaster of Arts (MA) degree ininternational development from the University of Manchester. He also holds a Diploma in Advanced Business French from theChambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris[2] and aMaster of Research (MRes) degree in education and international development from theUniversity of East Anglia, where he later completed his PhD. His doctoral thesis, titled "“Teacher, do you think I have a bright future?” - Anxiety and uncertainty in a Rwandan Catholic Secondary Boarding and Day School", which offers an in-depth ethnographic study of Rwandan adolescents in a Catholic boarding school. His work focuses on the themes of anxiety and uncertainty in educational settings.[3]
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 forStockport Council and later as a Volunteering and Training Manager for theBritish Red Cross.[2] He was Youth Club Manager at the Hamlet Centre and as an Associate Tutor at theUniversity of East Anglia.[4]
Rushworth's work in international development began with his work at theAegis Trust, an organization dedicated to the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities.[5] He held multiple positions, including Head of Engagement, Director of Strategy, and Special Advisor to the Head of Strategy.[2] He specialized in education and conflict prevention, developing and implementing strategies to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
In 2017, Rushworth co-founded African Dreams Ltd, a consultancy focused on development projects in Rwanda, where he continues to serve as CEO. He also founded Our World Research & Consultancy Ltd, providing strategic advice and research services on global development issues.[6]
He also worked as a Lecturer atMacclesfield College of Further Education and has been involved in various research projects.[7] Prior to becoming an MP he was the Programme Manager for the Strategic Research Fund atDurham University, where he oversaw initiatives aimed at fostering innovative research and development.[2]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rushworth and his family walked from coast to coast to raise funds for Children North East, a charity supporting disadvantaged children.[8]
Rushworth stood in the seats ofBlackpool North and Cleveleys in2015 andTatton in2017.[9]
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 the2019 General Election in 2022.[10] He successfully contested the seat in the2024 general election, winning 17,036 votes, or 42.1% of the overall vote, with a majority of 6,672.[11] He was also the chair of Bishop Auckland Constituency Labour Party.[12]
He has served on the executive board of theLabour Campaign for International Development (LCID) and is known for his advocacy on issues such as child poverty.[13]
He is a member of theInternational Development Select Committee,[14] and chairs theT-levels andExtraordinary RenditionAll-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.[15]
He voted against theTerminally 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."[16]
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.[17]
Rushworth is married to Siobhain, and they have five children[18][19] He is a member of theChurch 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.[20][21] He has said that his grandmother died as a result of theInfected Blood Scandal.[22]
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament forBishop Auckland 2024–present | Incumbent |
