Shortlist 2026

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We are delighted to announce that the Parliament’s People Awards shortlist has been revealed. These inspirational teams and individuals have shown dedication and commitment to supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy.

Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the achievements of the shortlisted teams and individuals and follow the conversation using the hashtag #ParliPeopleAwards.

The award recognises a staffer who currently works for a Member of Parliament with a constituency based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Lauren Cairney, Constituency Support Officer, Martin Rhodes MP

As Constituency Support Officer, Lauren is often the first point of contact for constituents, managing a high caseload with professionalism, empathy and efficiency. Her work ranges from supporting vulnerable people in crisis to handling complex policy enquiries, ensuring constituents feel heard and represented.

What sets Lauren apart is her proactive, solution-focused approach. She consistently goes beyond responding to issues, actively seeking effective outcomes even under significant pressure. Her organisational skills and dedication ensure the office remains accessible and responsive, strengthening trust between constituents and Parliament.

A standout example of Lauren’s impact was her organisation of a Funders Day for local charities. Recognising the need to connect grassroots organisations with funding opportunities, she independently coordinated an event bringing together over 65 local charities and multiple funders. Despite limited time and resources, the event was a major success, with many charities securing vital funding to support services such as food provision, mental health support and youth activities.

Lauren’s work delivers tangible, long-term benefits for both Parliament and the constituency, improving lives while strengthening democratic engagement and community resilience.

Luella Laville, Senior Policy Researcher, Tonia Antoniazzi MP

As a Parliamentary Researcher, Luella supports Tonia across speeches, questions, debates, APPGs and campaigns, working across a wide range of complex policy areas from medical cannabis to women’s rights to ensure constituents in Gower.

This year, her role went even further. Luella coordinated Tonia’s campaign to add New Clause 1 to the Crime and Policing Bill, the most significant reform to abortion law in decades. If carried through to law, NC1 will protect vulnerable women by removing them from harmful police investigations and prosecutions. Luella drove forward this campaign from a backbench MP’s office, working with stakeholder, coordinating MPs, drafting speeches, and preparing media briefings, all while continuing to manage the full demands of her day job.

Her determination was central to NC1 passing the House of Commons by a majority of 242 votes — an extraordinary achievement for a backbench amendment on such a sensitive issue. Luella’s resolve never wavered despite the pressure and scale of the task.

Alongside this, she continues to support multiple APPGs and campaigns, including coordinating a cross-party letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board highlighting the treatment of women in Afghanistan.

Zoë Swann, Communications Officer, Gordon McKee MP

Zoë has made an outstanding contribution to digital accessibility and public understanding of government, Parliament and politics. Through engaging social media content created for Gordon McKee MP, she has reached millions of people on topics ranging from the debt-to-GDP ratio to MPs’ surgeries and parliamentary privilege.

Zoë independently writes the scripts, films and edits all content, often travelling from Glasgow to London at short notice to complete shoots. She does so without complaint and consistently delivers work of exceptional quality. Driven by a personal commitment to education and outreach, she uses original, accessible formats that resonate particularly with younger audiences.

Her most notable achievement to date is the debt-to-GDP video, which has received over 2 million views on TikTok and more than 3.3 million impressions on X, attracting national media coverage including the Guardian, the Telegraph and the New Statesman, as well as local press.
As a Constituency Support Officer, Zoë’s work has transformed how accessible the MP appears, leading to increased engagement with schools, youth groups and community organisations. Her creativity, authenticity and reach have set a new standard for digital parliamentary communication, making her thoroughly deserving of recognition.

The award recognises a staffer who currently works for a Member of Parliament with a constituency based in the North.

Heather Cook, Senior Caseworker, Patrick Hurley MP

Heather is a homegrown talent whose dedication, empathy, and deep connection to her community make her an outstanding parliamentary staffer. She approaches constituent cases with patience and care, putting people in traumatic situations at ease and consistently earning public praise. Within six months, her work ethic and attention to detail led to her promotion to Senior Caseworker.

One notable example involved a 76-year-old constituent whose attendance allowance application had been wrongfully denied. Heather gathered supporting evidence, liaised with the DWP, and lodged a complaint, ultimately securing the allowance at the highest rate, enabling the constituent to remain at home with their carer. She also identifies patterns in recurring issues and organises roundtables with the MP and stakeholders to explore systemic improvements.

Heather is the main point of contact for families affected by the Hart Street tragedy, providing calm and empathetic support during an intensely emotional time. Beyond casework, she coordinates Southport’s Heritage Open Days, managing 26 locations and over 60 events to showcase the town’s culture and landmarks nationally. Her work combines individual care, systemic impact, and community engagement, making her an exemplary nominee.

Jack Gebhard, Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Andrew Snowden MP

Jack plays a crucial role in turning local concerns into meaningful parliamentary action. By listening to constituents and engaging with schools, councils, and residents, he ensures the issues raised such as school funding, SEND support, and building safety. His work helps the MP ask clear, focused written questions that hold government departments accountable and provide constituents with real answers, not political noise.

Jack’s careful research and attention to detail ensure that questions reflect the realities on the ground. For example, when local schools raised concerns about rising costs, he reviewed figures, spoke with schools, and drafted questions on real-term school funding in Lancashire, providing clarity and actionable insight.

Through this work, Jack strengthens trust between constituents and their MP, demonstrating that local voices are heard and valued. His approach has a lasting impact, improving transparency, informing better parliamentary decisions, and supporting effective local outcomes. By bridging grassroots concerns and national scrutiny, Jack ensures the constituency has a strong, informed, and influential voice in Westminster.

Hattie Oliver, Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Alex Sobel MP

Hattie has exceptional dedication, professionalism, and impact within the MP’s office. She plays a crucial role in ensuring constituents’ lived experiences inform parliamentary work, strengthening both scrutiny and representation.

Hattie supports parliamentary business by preparing briefings, coordinating communications between Westminster and the constituency, and translating local issues into speeches, debates, questions, and campaigns. Starting as a Constituency Assistant, she brings frontline insight that ensures policy decisions reflect real people’s experiences.

A clear example is her work engaging students at the University of Leeds on housing challenges. She documented financial pressures, insecure tenancies, and systemic issues, translating them into credible policy evidence. Her work informed briefings and amendments, contributing directly to the Renters’ Rights Bill and ensuring student voices shaped national legislation.

Hattie also ensures smooth coordination across offices, keeping staff informed and connected. Her reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative approach build trust, support colleagues, and strengthen external relationships.

Through her work, constituents’ concerns are effectively represented, parliamentary contributions are more impactful, and the connection between casework and national decision-making is maintained. Hattie’s dedication delivers lasting benefits to Parliament, the constituency, and democracy itself.

Olivia O’Mahony, Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Esther McVey MP

As the sole member of The Rt Hon Esther McVey’s Westminster team, Olivia ensures all aspects of my parliamentary work run smoothly, consistently exceeding expectations.

Olivia coordinated 121 MPs to join a campaign opposing the Winter Fuel Payment policy, contributing to a Government U-turn that benefited constituents. She supported tabling 31 amendments to the Sentencing Bill, working tirelessly to meet tight deadlines, and continued this effort in the Lords, securing ministerial engagement to support the democratic process.

She has delivered tangible outcomes on public safety, including securing new tree maintenance guidance for councils after a constituent’s tragic death, influencing the Government’s Tree Action Plan 2026, and preventing future incidents. Olivia also navigated complex pharmaceutical regulations to support a bereaved constituent on antidepressant labelling, helping her gain a place on an MHRA working group and protecting patients nationwide.

Olivia combines meticulous attention to detail, empathy, and solution-focused determination, often working evenings and weekends. Her work has had long-term impact, improving local services, influencing national policy, and safeguarding the wellbeing of constituents and the wider public.

The award recognises a staffer who currently works for a Member of Parliament with a constituency based in the East Midlands or Eastern England.

Jamie Ali, Constituency Manager, Sarah Owen MP

Jamie first joined Sarah Owen’s team in 2019 and, after a stint in the private sector, returned to frontline politics to make a tangible difference in Luton North. Every day, he ensures the team’s work positively impacts constituents on healthcare, benefits, and education, to wider political and media campaigns delivering leave for parents who miscarry, better access to train stations and millions in local investment. He also handles a small number of highly complex cases. One standout example involved a complex DWP case. A constituent had been wrongly charged fees and had benefits incorrectly deducted, causing considerable stress.

Jamie handled the case with calm, compassion, and persistence, liaising with departments and ministers, managing delays, and keeping the constituent informed. His efforts not only secured correction of the errors but also an apology from the relevant agencies. Jamie leverages his deep parliamentary knowledge to secure broader wins, such as arranging donations of building materials and school supplies to local colleges. His dedication transforms lives, often behind the scenes, yet the impact on the community is profound.

Kelly Douglas-Parsons, Senior Caseworker, Jess Asato MP

Kelly has shown exceptional dedication and quiet leadership in supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy. She helps make Parliament real and accessible, often acting as the firs human connection between constituents and their MP. Through her casework, she listens to people at their most vulnerable, navigates complex systems on their behalf, and ensures their rights are upheld.

One example illustrates her extraordinary commitment: Kelly supported a grieving family whose loved one had been buried in the wrong grave. She persistently coordinated with council officers to secure an exhumation, staying alongside the family throughout and providing calm guidance and reassurance.

This determination runs through all her work, from securing school places for children with SEND, to supporting homeless constituents, to safeguarding those at risk. Kelly turns frustration and anxiety into practical solutions, showing that Parliament can genuinely make a difference.

Within the office, she is a trusted adviser on complex cases; beyond it, she is the invisible backbone of the constituency service. Her professionalism, empathy, and quiet dedication ensure Parliament functions with humanity, fairness, and accountability.

Ally Routledge, Political Advisor, Jo White MP

Ally has had two periods working in Parliament, before 2019 and after the 2024 general election. She exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of an outstanding parliamentary staffer, giving care and commitment that is unmatched. Having worked for two Bassetlaw MPs, Ally has been instrumental in much of what they have achieved for the town.

In particular, she has excelled in coordinating the Red Wall Caucus of Labour MPs. In under 18 months, she has organised a programme of events and parliamentary engagement, managing a large group of MPs to achieve significant media impact, raise political issues from Red Wall constituencies, and deliver tangible policy wins, including in the Budget and legislative measures.

Ally consistently goes above and beyond the usual expectations of a Senior Parliamentary Assistant. Her expertise in navigating Westminster, combined with her focus on constituency impact, has delivered results few in Parliament can match. Her commitment and passion for her work shine through in everything she does.

The award recognises a staffer who currently works for a Member of Parliament with a constituency based in the West Midlands or the South West.

Laura Bradley, Senior Caseworker, Warinder Juss MP

Laura has been tireless in her work in the office, supporting colleagues and constituents alike with care, dedication, and professionalism. She has gone above and beyond her role, assisting with casework, providing personal support, and working extra hours to ensure that issues are resolved and constituents are heard.

She has been especially committed to supporting parents of SEND children, offering bespoke guidance, advocating on their behalf, and highlighting their concerns to the MP. Laura has also provided invaluable help to constituents navigating difficult immigration cases, liaising with UKVI and signposting support to ensure they are not left to struggle alone.

Her impact is profound: countless families she has supported now have access to the services and education their children need. Even during illness, her absence highlighted how much she is valued by both colleagues and constituents, many of whom have expressed gratitude for her efforts. Laura’s dedication has transformed lives, giving vulnerable families a voice and enabling children to access the support they need to thrive.

Sion Davies, Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Jessica Toale MP

Over the past year, Sion has stepped up to support a largely new and junior team, taking on high responsibility without extra pay, and creating a culture of confidence, growth, and high performance.

He strengthens how the office prepares briefings, engages stakeholders, and supports the MP, while enabling colleagues to think creatively and act with confidence. His calm, proactive leadership ensures timely, thoughtful responses to constituents and fosters professional growth across the team.

A defining example came when the Chief of Staff departed, leaving the office without senior leadership. Sion guided new colleagues through complex parliamentary processes, modelled professionalism and empathy, and maintained high standards of service under pressure.

Beyond management, Sion consistently goes the extra mile for constituents, taking visitors on tours of Parliament, shaping casework responses, and ensuring the best possible outcomes. His dedication has strengthened the office, improved representation for constituents, and built a lasting foundation for future success.

Natalie Statham, Parliamentary Assistant, Sarah Edwards MP

Natalie has gone above and beyond in her work supporting constituents, particularly women and girls in her town. Following a high-profile case of rape in the town centre, she recognised safety as a key issue and took action. She organised local forums and founded a charity to create safer spaces for women and girls, engaging businesses such as gyms, bars, and restaurants to join the scheme and ensure safe environments.

Natalie also used social media to communicate directly with young women, raising awareness and fostering collective understanding. She achieved all this while covering additional responsibilities in the office during a staffing gap, quickly learning new skills including IPSA accounting.

Her dedication has lasting impact: the initiative will help women and girls feel safer in their community and enjoy public spaces with confidence. Natalie’s combination of initiative, care, and practical action exemplifies the positive difference parliamentary staff can make in people’s everyday lives.

The award recognises a staffer who currently works for a Member of Parliament with a constituency based in London or the South East.

George Bundock, Parliamentary Assistant, Greg Smith MP

George began working in Parliament at just 18 and, over the past two and a half years, has established himself as an exceptionally capable and reliable parliamentary staffer. Overcame barriers linked to his education, he has demonstrated that Parliament should be open to talented young people from state school backgrounds.

He supports a busy MP’s office while managing a complex shadow ministerial brief and a constituency casework load approaching 8,000 cases, handling each with diligence, accuracy, and compassion. Known for his quiet competence and work ethic, he frequently works beyond hours preparing speeches, briefings, and correspondence.

George has shown outstanding initiative through events such as the Taste of Mid Buckinghamshire, bringing local businesses into Westminster, and a farmers’ summit with structured breakout rooms to amplify rural concerns. Both strengthened links between Parliament and communities and delivered tangible outcomes.

Beyond his formal role, George mentors young people into politics, contributes to APPGs, leads Parliament Week activities, and advocates for green spaces. His humanitarian work in Uganda and involvement with youth policy demonstrate a broader commitment to public service. George exemplifies professionalism, initiative, and dedication to both constituents and wider civic engagement.

Martin McCabe, Chief of Staff, Chris Ward MP

Martin serves as Chief of Staff in a busy constituency office, managing complex casework, leading the team, and responding to urgent issues affecting constituents’ safety, livelihoods, and access to public services. He is often the first and most consistent point of contact, translating lived experience into meaningful parliamentary representation, running campaigns, briefing the MP, and holding agencies to account.

Martin consistently goes beyond his formal role, working evenings, weekends, and during leave to ensure urgent needs are met. His empathy, professionalism, and determination enable constituents to feel heard and supported, even in the most complex cases, including healthcare access, community safety, and service closures.
He demonstrated exceptional leadership following the arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque, coordinating between police, local authorities, and the community, facilitating ministerial visits, and maintaining communication and reassurance throughout a highly charged weekend.

Martin has also led campaigns to protect vital local services, including Wellsbourne GP Surgery, Rottingdean Library, and the long-derelict Meridian Centre, securing long-term benefits such as community regeneration, essential facilities, and increased trust in public institutions. His work exemplifies the impact dedicated parliamentary staff can have on both individuals and the wider community.

Stella Pentecost, Senior Caseworker, Peter Kyle MP

Stella has worked in Peter’s constituency office for 10 years, consistently going above and beyond for constituents with patience, respect, and dedication. She has encouraged individuals directly, such as assisting an elderly resident with a smart meter and securing a grant to pay another resident’s large water bill.

Beyond individual cases, Stella has driven broader initiatives to benefit the community. She successfully persuaded Southern Water to fund year round water testing in the city, leading to the creation of a Citizen Science project. This initiative enables residents to monitor coastal water quality, investigate concerns, and push for action from polluters. Stella organises volunteers, liaises with Southern Water, engages other MPs, and even brings the group to Parliament. The testing equipment used is the same technology applied in the River Seine ahead of the Paris Olympics and by the Environment Agency.

Stella also champions constituents with broader social impact, such as supporting a constituent involved in prison reform, helping them become a magistrate, and arranging meetings with senior figures like Lord Timpson. Her dedication combines hands-on support with lasting community impact.

Parliament relies on the work of thousands of members of staff working across the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Parliamentary Digital Service to help towards the smooth running of Parliament. This Award recognises a team that has gone above and beyond.

House of Lords Hansard Team, House of Lords

The House of Lords Hansard unit provides a truly world-class service. Within three hours of debates concluding, they publish accurate, polished transcripts online for public use, with grammar corrected, references and titles checked, and spoken contributions rendered into clear, readable prose. A complete record of the day’s business is produced overnight and is reliably available in print the following day.

What stands out just as much as their speed and precision is the courtesy, professionalism and care shown by the Hansard editors. They are unfailingly helpful, while firmly upholding the rules that protect the integrity of the record. By politely but firmly resisting unreasonable requests, they safeguard the accuracy of proceedings and uphold the reputation of the House of Lords and its members worldwide. At a time when standards are slipping elsewhere, the Hansard unit remains a beacon of excellence.

Terrace Café Team, House of Commons

Salvatore, Dave, Rita, Neneh, Una, Betty and many others — because they do far more than serve excellent food. They help make Parliament a kinder, more human place. Every morning they greet MPs, staff and visitors with genuine warmth, putting people at ease and making a famously intimidating place feel welcoming. The food is consistently delicious (the scrambled eggs are a highlight), delivered with care, professionalism and pride.

What truly sets this team apart is how they go above and beyond. Alongside efficiency in a high-pressure environment of early starts, long queues and stressed customers, they offer something less visible but deeply important: kindness, conversation and normality on difficult days. They remember faces, take time to check in, and nothing ever feels like too much trouble.

As a new MP in 2024, they were among the first to make me feel welcome and that I genuinely belonged. Their quiet support boosts morale, builds belonging and helps Parliament work better for everyone — staff, MPs and visitors alike.

Edmund James, Health and Safety Business Officer, Corporate Services, Governance Office

Edmund’s career in Parliament reflects deep, practical knowledge of how the organisation functions. Starting in Visitor Services, he supported public access and ensured visitors could engage safely and confidently with the democratic process. He then gained operational experience in the Catering Department, building a holistic understanding that he now brings to his role as Health and Safety Business Officer.

In this role, Edmund ensures the Parliamentary Estate is safe, compliant, and resilient for Members, staff, contractors, and the public. His work underpins parliamentary democracy by enabling scrutiny, debate, and public engagement to proceed without disruption. He provides clear, practical advice on policy, risk management, and incident response, translating complex regulations into workable solutions.

Edmund consistently goes above and beyond, proactively anticipating risks, fostering a positive safety culture, and constructively challenging unsafe practices. He is trusted, collaborative, and calm under pressure, inspiring confidence across teams. His early roles also show his commitment to inclusivity and professionalism, delivering exceptional experiences for visitors and MPs alike.

Through his long-term dedication, institutional knowledge, and proactive approach, Edmund strengthens safety, compliance, and resilience across Parliament, ensuring it remains accessible, secure, and effective for generations to come.

Nafisa Kiani, Project Support Officer, Project Delivery

Nafisa has made a significant impact in ensuring the parliamentary workplace runs efficiently and inclusively. Notably, she introduced measures to accommodate Muslim colleagues during Ramadan, including keeping prayer rooms open, scheduling meetings in the afternoons, allowing comfort breaks, and approving leave for Eid. These initiatives improved productivity and made staff feel valued and supported.

She also supports MPs and Lords by adding names to early day motions, inputting oral and written questions, and assisting with hotel and travel arrangements for delegation visits abroad, training other staff to ensure continuity and efficiency.

In preparation for the Queen’s lying in state, she helped edit a handbook, organised meetings, and took minutes to ensure the operation ran smoothly, with volunteers coordinated effectively.

Her routine responsibilities, such as raising purchase orders and minute-taking, prevent delays, save resources, and ensure projects are completed on time. By keeping accurate logs of parliamentary questions and maintaining records, she has helped promote fairness, equality of opportunity, and effective chamber delivery. Her work consistently supports colleagues, MPs, and the wider parliamentary operation, combining meticulous organisation with a commitment to inclusivity and professionalism.

Karen Lawrinson, Office Manager, Yasmin Quereshi MP

Karen has worked for Members of Parliament for 28 years. She provides exceptional contribution to parliamentary democracy and constituent support. As Office Manager for Yasmin Qureshi MP, she ensures the smooth running of the office while going beyond her role to strengthen the parliamentary staff community nationwide. She co-runs the W4MP website, providing vital resources, guides, job opportunities, and morale-boosting content, and manages WhatsApp groups and contributes to Teams channels to foster collaboration and support across party lines. Known as the “Oracle” for her unparalleled knowledge of parliamentary procedures, casework, and office management, Karen dedicates considerable time outside her working hours to maintain the accuracy and accessibility of W4MP and hotline resources. Her meticulous attention ensures staff can respond efficiently to constituents’ needs, strengthening parliamentary operations and public service. Through her initiatives, she has created a supportive, connected environment for parliamentary staff, offering practical advice, emotional support, and professional guidance. Karen’s work directly improves the resilience, effectiveness, and cohesion of parliamentary teams, enabling staff across the UK to perform their roles with confidence and efficiency. Her dedication has a profound, long-term impact on Parliament, its staff, and the constituents they serve.