Irene Campbell

Scottish “Labour”(Red Conservative) politician and genocide enabler

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Irene Campbell MP Irene Campbell MP

Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 July 2024
Preceded by	Patricia Gibson

Personal details
Born	1964 Saltcoats
Political party	Labour
Website	www.facebook.com/IreneCampbellMP

Irene Campbell is a Scottish Labour politician serving as a Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran since the 2024 general election after beating out incumbent Patricia Gibson of the SNP.^[1]

Before her election to Parliament, She worked in several senior roles with the health service, as well as jobs as a business analyst and project manager with the civil service.

In Saltcoats, she is the chair of the SPLASH Group. The SPLASH Group is seeking funding to refurbish the town's outdoor tidal pool.^[2]

Campbell is the younger sister of Professor Andy Campbell.^{[citation needed]}

Early Life and Education

Irene Campbell was born in 1964 in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire. She was educated locally at Auchenharvie Academy before attending University gaining a BA(Hons) and later a Masters Degree.^[3]

Her neighbour growing up was Labour MP David Lambie, MP for Cunninghame South until 1992 and she was involved in his campaigns from a very young age.

In her youth she swam competitively.

Career Prior to Parliament

Campbell joined the civil service at the age of 19 and moved to London. She became in involved in the Trade-Union Movement during this time, joining the CPSA and was very active in the strikes around the Civil Service Pay Deal.

She was involved in the Picket Line outside downing street during the Margaret Thatcher's Premiership where the picketers successfully stopped the East German and Chinese Government from entering. Mrs Thatcher infamously gave the young picketers a stern telling off.

Returning to her home town, she has worked in the NHS for the last 20 years as a Project Manager. In this role she served as a UNITE Rep and was one of the few candidates in 2024 to receive UNITE's backing.

She also served for a time as Chair of North Ayrshire Women's Aid.^[4]

SPLASH Group

During the pandemic, Irene became frustrated at the fact Swimming Pools were closed and Saltcoats had an outdoor pool which had been left in a dilapidated state for a number of years.

In response, Irene founded the SPLASH Group which has been looking into getting investment to bring the tidal pool back into use which has involved work with world-renowned architects.

She had fond memories of the former pool from her time growing up in the town - and so the idea to return it to its former glory was born.

Since that time feasibility study and engineer’s reports have been completed, confirming that a revival of the outdoor bathing pool would be possible - and would cost in the region of £500,000. ^[5]

Career in Parliament

Irene Campbell was elected as the Scottish Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran on a 21.5% swing to Labour from the SNP, unseating the 9 year incumbent Patricia Gibson.

Campbell was sworn in on the 10th July 2024 and has committed to being a community based MP.

Personal Life

Campbell lives in her home-town of Saltcoats and enjoys swimming.

References

^ "North Ayrshire and Arran - General election results 2024". BBC News.
^ Grayston, Murray (31 May 2024). "'It's time for change': North Ayrshire's Labour candidate sets out campaign plans". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
^ "Irene ready to make a splash as Labour candidate sets sights on Westminster seat". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
^ "Irene ready to make a splash as Labour candidate sets sights on Westminster seat". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
^ "Concept designs for Saltcoats outdoor pool revealed - take a look". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2024.