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Parliament's record since 1997: debates, questions, statements, votes, bills, committees and members' interests

Where MPs Stand

Sourced briefings on the record of Parliament

Yvette Cooper

MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley (Labour).

Membership

  • MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour (5 July 2024 – now)
  • MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (13 December 2019 – 30 May 2024)
  • MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (9 June 2017 – 6 November 2019)
  • MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (8 May 2015 – 3 May 2017)
  • MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (6 May 2010 – 30 March 2015)
  • MP for Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (5 May 2005 – 12 April 2010)
  • MP for Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (7 June 2001 – 11 April 2005)
  • MP for Pontefract and Castleford, Labour (1 May 1997 – 14 May 2001)

Roles

  • Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (20 July 2026 – now)
  • Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (5 September 2025 – 20 July 2026)
  • The Secretary of State for the Home Department (5 July 2024 – 5 September 2025)
  • Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department (29 November 2021 – 30 May 2024)
  • Chair, Home Affairs Committee (27 January 2020 – 1 December 2021)
  • Chair, Home Affairs Committee (12 July 2017 – 6 November 2019)
  • Chair, Home Affairs Committee (19 October 2016 – 3 May 2017)
  • Shadow Home Secretary (20 January 2011 – 14 September 2015)
  • Shadow Minister (Equalities Office) (Women and Equalities) (20 January 2011 – 7 October 2013)
  • Shadow Foreign Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities (8 October 2010 – 20 January 2011)
  • Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (12 May 2010 – 8 October 2010)
  • The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (6 June 2009 – 6 May 2010)
  • The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (24 January 2008 – 5 June 2009)
  • Minister of State (Department of Communities and Local Government) (Housing) (28 June 2007 – 24 January 2008)
  • Minister of State (Department of Communities and Local Government) (Housing and Planning) (5 May 2006 – 28 June 2007)
  • Minister of State (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) (Housing and Planning) (10 May 2005 – 5 May 2006)
  • Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) (Regeneration and Regional Developement) (13 June 2003 – 10 May 2005)
  • Parliamentary Secretary (Lord Chancellor's Department) (29 May 2002 – 13 June 2003)
  • The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (11 October 1999 – 28 May 2002)

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley: 2024 general election: majority 6,630 (18.4%).

Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford: 2019 general election: majority 1,276 (2.6%); 2017 general election: majority 14,499 (29.5%); 2015 general election: majority 15,428 (33.6%); 2010 general election: majority 10,979 (23.7%).

Pontefract and Castleford: 2005 general election: majority 15,246 (46.3%); 2001 general election: majority 16,378 (52.2%); 1997 general election: majority 25,725 (62.1%).