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{{short description|British Labour politician}}
{{short description|British politician (born 1972)}}
{{For|the hurler of the same name|Ian Byrne (hurler)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}{{2024 UK Commons}}
{{For|the hurler of the same name|Ian Byrne (hurler)}}{{Infobox officeholder
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix =
| honorific-prefix =
| name = Ian Byrne
| name = Ian Byrne
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| office = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] <br /> for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]]
| office = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] <br /> for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]]
| parliament =
| parliament =
| majority = 29,984 (68.2%)
| majority = 20,423 (53.8%)
| predecessor = [[Stephen Twigg]]
| predecessor = [[Stephen Twigg]]
| successor =
| successor =
| term_start = 12 December 2019
| term_start = 12 December 2019
| term_end =
| birth_name = Ian Robert Byrne
| birth_name = Ian Robert Byrne
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1972|05|10}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1972|05|10}}
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| nationality = British
| nationality = British
| partner =
| partner =
| party = [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]]
| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| otherparty = [[Socialist Campaign Group]] (2019–present)<br />
| otherparty = [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] (2018–2024; suspended and [[Whip (politics)|whip]] withdrawn)<br>[[Socialist Campaign Group]] (2019–present)
| relations =
| relations =
| children =
| children =
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}}
}}


'''Ian Robert Byrne'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-12-18/debates/2E37F0BD-4DF0-40A6-B9F9-0607212DBFB1/MembersSworn|title=Members Sworn|website=Hansard.parliament.uk|date=18 December 2019|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> (born 10 May 1972)<ref name="politicsuk">{{cite web |title=Byrne, Ian |url=https://www.politics.co.uk/reference/byrne-ian/ |website=Politics.co.uk |access-date=19 March 2021}} 10 May 1972 comes up in searches</ref> is a British [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] politician. He has been the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]] since the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 general election]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000796|title=Liverpool West Derby parliamentary constituency - Election 2019|work=BBC News |access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref> He is a member of the [[Socialist Campaign Group]] parliamentary grouping.
'''Ian Robert Byrne'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-12-18/debates/2E37F0BD-4DF0-40A6-B9F9-0607212DBFB1/MembersSworn|title=Members Sworn|website=Hansard.parliament.uk|date=18 December 2019|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> (born 10 May 1972)<ref name="politicsuk">{{cite web |title=Byrne, Ian |url=https://www.politics.co.uk/reference/byrne-ian/ |website=Politics.co.uk |access-date=19 March 2021}} 10 May 1972 comes up in searches</ref> is a British [[Independent politician|independent]], formerly [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] politician who has been the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]] since [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000796|title=Liverpool West Derby parliamentary constituency - Election 2019|work=BBC News |access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>


==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==
Byrne grew up on the [[Stockbridge Village]] (formerly Cantril Farm) estate in [[Liverpool]]. At the age of 16 he was present at the [[Hillsborough disaster]] and escaped before the crush occurred, however his father was seriously injured.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Traynor |first1=Luke |title=MP who survived Hillsborough backs new law for equal justice |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mp-who-survived-hillsborough-backs-18132163 |access-date=25 April 2020 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=22 April 2020}}</ref>
Ian Byrne was born on 10 May 1972 in [[Liverpool]]. He grew up on the [[Stockbridge Village]] (formerly Cantril Farm) estate in the city. At the age of 16 he was present at the [[Hillsborough disaster]] and escaped before the crush occurred. His father was seriously injured.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Traynor |first1=Luke |title=MP who survived Hillsborough backs new law for equal justice |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mp-who-survived-hillsborough-backs-18132163 |access-date=25 April 2020 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=22 April 2020}}</ref>


He worked as a taxi driver while studying at [[The Open University]] and gaining a degree over six years.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=IanByrneMP |last=Byrne |first=Ian |number=1194303292253360131 |date=12 November 2019 |title="One of my proudest achievements..."}}</ref> He was an active member of [[Unite the Union]], where he later got a job as a trade union organiser. His work included organising sub-contracted NHS workers for better pay and conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/03/only-bold-state-intervention-will-see-us-through-this-crisis-ian-byrnes-maiden-speech/ |title="Only bold state intervention will see us through this crisis" – Ian Byrne's maiden speech |website= LabourList|date=23 March 2020}}</ref>
He worked as a taxi driver while studying at [[The Open University]], gaining a degree over six years.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=IanByrneMP |last=Byrne |first=Ian |number=1194303292253360131 |date=12 November 2019 |title="One of my proudest achievements..."}}</ref> He was an active member of [[Unite the Union]], where he later was employed as a trade union organiser. His work included organising sub-contracted NHS workers for better pay and conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/03/only-bold-state-intervention-will-see-us-through-this-crisis-ian-byrnes-maiden-speech/ |title="Only bold state intervention will see us through this crisis" – Ian Byrne's maiden speech |website= LabourList|date=23 March 2020}}</ref>


In 2015, Byrne co-founded [[Fans Supporting Foodbanks]], a community initiative by [[association football|football]] fans to tackle food poverty in [[Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2019/10/fans-supporting-foodbanks-its-not-charity-its-solidarity/ |title=Fans Supporting Foodbanks: "It's not charity, it's solidarity |website= This is Anfield|date=14 October 2019 |access-date=22 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/heroic-efforts-liverpool-creating-vital-18111974 | title=Heroic efforts in Liverpool creating vital PPE for the NHS and getting food to the needy | work=Liverpool Echo | date=18 April 2020}}</ref> Before becoming an MP, he worked with [[Dan Carden]] in the neighbouring constituency of [[Liverpool Walton (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool Walton]].
In 2015, Byrne co-founded [[Fans Supporting Foodbanks]], a community initiative by [[association football|football]] fans to tackle food poverty in [[Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2019/10/fans-supporting-foodbanks-its-not-charity-its-solidarity/ |title=Fans Supporting Foodbanks: "It's not charity, it's solidarity |website= This is Anfield|date=14 October 2019 |access-date=22 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/heroic-efforts-liverpool-creating-vital-18111974 | title=Heroic efforts in Liverpool creating vital PPE for the NHS and getting food to the needy | work=Liverpool Echo | date=18 April 2020}}</ref> Before becoming an MP, he worked with [[Dan Carden]] in the neighbouring constituency of [[Liverpool Walton (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool Walton]].


⚫
In 2018, Byrne was elected as a councillor to [[Liverpool City Council]], representing the [[Everton (ward)|Everton]] ward alongside Labour's Cllr Jane Corbett and Cllr Frank Prendergast MBE.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2020 |title=Councillor details - Councillor Ian Byrne |url=http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=33036 |access-date=3 January 2020 |website=councillors.liverpool.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> He continued to serve as a local councillor after becoming an MP, donating his councillor's allowance to Vauxhall [[Law Centre]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.ianbyrne.org/about |website=Ian Byrne MP official website}}</ref> In 2022, Byrne stood down from his council seat and was succeeded by his daughter, Ellie.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Humphreys |first1=David |date=8 April 2022 |title=Labour holds on after Liverpool City Council by-elections |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/labour-holds-after-liverpool-city-23630931 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo}}</ref>
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==Political career==
⚫
In 2018, Byrne was elected as a councillor to [[Liverpool City Council]], representing the [[Everton (ward)|Everton]] ward alongside Labour's Cllr Jane Corbett and Cllr Frank Prendergast MBE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=33036|title=Councillor details - Councillor Ian Byrne|date=3 January 2020|website=councillors.liverpool.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> He continued to serve as a local councillor after becoming an MP, donating his councillor's allowance to Vauxhall [[Law Centre]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://skwawkbox.org/2020/01/10/new-mp-byrne-asked-to-stay-on-as-councillor-until-may-donates-allowance-to-law-centre-for-vulnerable/|title=New MP Byrne asked to stay on as councillor until May – donates allowance to law centre for vulnerable|date=10 January 2020|website=Skwawkbox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ianbyrne.org/about|title=About|website=Ian Byrne MP official website}}</ref> In 2022, Byrne stood down from his council seat and was succeeded by his daughter, Ellie.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Humphreys |first1=David |title=Labour holds on after Liverpool City Council by-elections |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/labour-holds-after-liverpool-city-23630931 |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=8 April 2022}}</ref>


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==Parliamentary career==
On 3 November 2019, Byrne was selected as the Labour candidate for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]], after the previous Labour MP [[Stephen Twigg]] announced he would be standing down at the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 general election]].<ref name="ITV">{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2019-07-08/merseyside-labour-mp-stephen-twigg-to-stand-down/|title=Merseyside Labour MP Stephen Twigg to stand down|date=8 July 2019|website=ITV News|access-date=22 January 2020}}</ref> Byrne won the "chaotic" selection process by three votes against Liverpool Wavertree local councillor Angela Coleman.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://labourlist.org/2019/11/ian-byrne-narrowly-selected-as-labours-liverpool-west-derby-candidate/ | title=Ian Byrne narrowly wins Liverpool West Derby selection race }}</ref><ref name="liverpoolecho">{{cite web | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-west-derby-mp-ian-25254798 | title=Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne facing fight to keep seat | date=13 October 2022 }}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://labourlist.org/2022/11/ian-byrnes-win-is-unlikely-to-assuage-the-lefts-concerns-about-this-selection-round/|title=Ian Byrne's win is unlikely to assuage the left's concerns about this selection round|first=Katie|last=Neame|date=21 November 2022|website=LabourList}}</ref> Byrne apologised when it was reported he had posted racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments on his Facebook account, as well as a comment mocking the disabled; the Facebook account was then deleted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/politics/elections/general-election-2019/labour-candidate-ian-byrne-wrote-abusive-comments/|title=Labour candidate Ian Byrne shared abusive comments about female politicians|website=LBC}}</ref> Byrne faced calls to stand down as a candidate following the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-50347128|title=General Election: 'Sexist' Labour candidate 'should step down'|date=8 November 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Labour shadow Chancellor [[John McDonnell]] publicly stood by Byrne's nomination, despite the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://headtopics.com/uk/john-mcdonnell-backs-labour-candidate-ian-byrne-despite-homophobic-slur-9478898|title=John McDonnell backs Labour candidate Ian Byrne despite homophobic slur|first=The|last=Sun|date=12 November 2019|website=Head Topics}}</ref> On 12 December 2019, Byrne was elected with 77.6% of the vote share, a reduction of 5.2% from the previous election.<ref name="bbc" />
On 3 November 2019, Byrne was selected as the Labour candidate for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]]. Byrne won the "chaotic" selection process by three votes against local councillor Angela Coleman.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://labourlist.org/2019/11/ian-byrne-narrowly-selected-as-labours-liverpool-west-derby-candidate/ | title=Ian Byrne narrowly wins Liverpool West Derby selection race | date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> Byrne apologised when it was reported he had posted historical comments abusing Conservative politicians, a joke involving the [[Paralympics]] and a homophobic slur on his Facebook account; the account was then deleted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/politics/elections/general-election-2019/labour-candidate-ian-byrne-wrote-abusive-comments/|title=Labour candidate Ian Byrne shared abusive comments about female politicians|website=LBC}}</ref> [[Liz Truss]] called on Byrne to stand down as a candidate following the controversy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-50347128|title=General Election: 'Sexist' Labour candidate 'should step down'|date=8 November 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Labour shadow Chancellor [[John McDonnell]] publicly supported Byrne's nomination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://headtopics.com/uk/john-mcdonnell-backs-labour-candidate-ian-byrne-despite-homophobic-slur-9478898|title=John McDonnell backs Labour candidate Ian Byrne despite homophobic slur|first=The|last=Sun|date=12 November 2019|website=Head Topics}}</ref>


At the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 general election]], Byrne was elected to Parliament as MP for [[Liverpool West Derby (UK Parliament constituency)|Liverpool West Derby]] with 77.6% of the vote and a majority of 29,984.<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="CBP-8749">{{cite web |date=28 January 2020 |title=Commons Briefing Paper 8749. General Election 2019: results and analysis |url=https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8749/CBP-8749.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118043715/https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8749/CBP-8749.pdf |archive-date=18 November 2021 |access-date=19 January 2022 |publisher=[[House of Commons Library]] |location=London}}</ref>
⚫
Byrne is on the left of the Labour Party and was a supporter of the leadership of [[Jeremy Corbyn]]. He is a member of the [[Socialist Campaign Group]] and backed his Campaign Group colleagues [[Rebecca Long-Bailey]] and [[Richard Burgon]] in the [[2020 Labour Party (UK) leadership election|2020 Labour leadership election]] and [[2020 Labour Party deputy leadership election|deputy leadership election]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Ian |title=From the Terraces to Westminster |url=https://tribunemag.co.uk/2020/03/from-the-terraces-to-westminster |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=Tribune |date=2 March 2020}}</ref>


⚫
Byrne was a supporter of the leadership of [[Jeremy Corbyn]]. He is a member of the [[Socialist Campaign Group]] and backed his Campaign Group colleagues [[Rebecca Long-Bailey]] and [[Richard Burgon]] in the [[2020 Labour Party (UK) leadership election|2020 Labour leadership election]] and [[2020 Labour Party deputy leadership election|deputy leadership election]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Ian |title=From the Terraces to Westminster |url=https://tribunemag.co.uk/2020/03/from-the-terraces-to-westminster |access-date=26 April 2020 |work=Tribune |date=2 March 2020}}</ref>
In 2020, Byrne launched a campaign for the [[Right to Food]] to be written into UK law.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mission-end-food-poverty-starting-19467445 | title=The mission to end food poverty that is starting on the streets of Liverpool | work=Liverpool Echo | date=20 December 2020}}</ref>


Byrne was named as "Overall MP of the Year" for 2021 by the Patchwork Foundation, who recognized his campaigning against food insecurity and workers' rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-ian-byrne-named-mp-23440840 | title=Liverpool's Ian Byrne named MP of the Year | date=19 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://patchworkfoundation.org.uk/our-work/mp-of-the-year-awards/ | title=MP of the Year Awards | date=23 October 2012 }}</ref>
In December 2020, Byrne launched a campaign for the [[Right to Food]] to be written into UK law.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mission-end-food-poverty-starting-19467445 | title=The mission to end food poverty that is starting on the streets of Liverpool | work=Liverpool Echo | date=20 December 2020}}</ref> Byrne was named as "Overall MP of the Year" for 2021 by the Patchwork Foundation, in recognition for his campaigning against food insecurity and workers' rights during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-ian-byrne-named-mp-23440840 | title=Liverpool's Ian Byrne named MP of the Year | date=19 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://patchworkfoundation.org.uk/our-work/mp-of-the-year-awards/ | title=MP of the Year Awards | date=23 October 2012 }}</ref>


⚫
During 2022, Byrne was criticised by some Labour members for allegedly putting campaigns on [[Hunger in the United Kingdom|food poverty]] and the legacy of the [[Hillsborough disaster]] ahead of constituency issues.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63623347|title=West Derby MP says he will seek police advice over intimidation|work=BBC News |date=14 November 2022}}</ref> West Derby Constituency Labour Party branches and affiliates voted to trigger a reselection process for the seat in October 2022.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63246991 | title=Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne faces reselection battle | work=BBC News | date=14 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=IanByrneMP|last=Byrne|first=Ian|number=1580656524288208896|title=I have been informed by the Labour Party that I have been 'triggered' and than an open contest to select the labour candidate to represent West Derby at the next General Election will begin imminently.}}</ref><ref name="liverpoolecho">{{cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne facing fight to keep seat |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-west-derby-mp-ian-25254798}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thorp |first=Liam |date=18 October 2022 |title=Burnham and Rotheram back Ian Byrne in West Derby seat FIGHT |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/burnham-rotheram-back-ian-byrne-25289200 |work=Liverpool Echo |language=en}}</ref> Byrne raised concerns about the reselection process, and threatened to take legal action after alleging multiple rule breaches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-labour-mp-ian-byrne-24604974|title=Liverpool MP Ian Byrne raises concerns about reselection process|first=Liam|last=Thorp|date=27 July 2022|website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ian-byrne-considers-legal-action-25455118|title=Byrne considers legal action over West Derby reselection process|first=Liam|last=Thorp|date=7 November 2022|website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref> He said he would consider getting police guidance over alleged intimidation at a campaign event. Supporters of his rival said there was no intimidation and one called on Byrne to retract his allegation.<ref name="auto"/>
On 14 December 2021, Byrne voted in favour of the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] government's 'Plan B' [[British government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 restrictions]], including for an expansion of mask mandates and the introduction of [[COVID passports in the United Kingdom|vaccine passports]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Health Regulations (Face Coverings) SI No 1400 |url=https://votes.parliament.uk/Votes/Commons/Division/1181 |website=UK Parliament |access-date=14 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Health Protection (Entry to venues etc) SI No 1416 |url=https://votes.parliament.uk/Votes/Commons/Division/1182#ayes |website=UK Parliament |access-date=14 December 2021}}</ref> However, he was one of 22 Labour MPs who voted against mandatory vaccination of [[NHS]] staff.<ref>{{cite web |title=draft Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) (No.2) Regulations 2021 |url=https://votes.parliament.uk/Votes/Commons/Division/1183#noes |website=UK Parliament |access-date=14 December 2021}}</ref>


At the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]], Byrne was re-elected to Parliament as MP for Liverpool West Derby with a decreased vote share of 66.6% and a decreased majority of 20,423.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2024/uk/constituencies/E14001341 Liverpool West Derby]</ref>
==Reselection issues 2022==
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During 2022, Byrne was criticised by some Labour members for allegedly putting his interests ahead of more local matters, and for focusing on national campaigns rather than on constituency issues.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63623347|title=West Derby MP says he will seek police advice over intimidation|work=BBC News |date=14 November 2022}}</ref> West Derby Constituency Labour Party branches and affiliates voted to trigger a reselection process for the seat in October 2022.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-63246991 | title=Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne faces reselection battle | work=BBC News | date=14 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=IanByrneMP|last=Byrne|first=Ian|number=1580656524288208896|title=I have been informed by the Labour Party that I have been 'triggered' and than an open contest to select the labour candidate to represent West Derby at the next General Election will begin imminently.}}</ref><ref name="liverpoolecho" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/oct/11/sam-tarry-deselection-labour-party-keir-starmer|title=Sam Tarry's deselection is just one part of a bigger shakeup of the Labour party |last=Chappell |first=Elliot |date=11 October 2022 |website=[[TheGuardian.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thorp |first=Liam |date=18 October 2022 |title=Burnham and Rotheram back Ian Byrne in West Derby seat FIGHT |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/burnham-rotheram-back-ian-byrne-25289200 |work=Liverpool Echo |language=en}}</ref> Byrne raised concerns about his reselection process, and threatened to take legal action after alleging multiple rule breaches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-labour-mp-ian-byrne-24604974|title=Liverpool MP Ian Byrne raises concerns about reselection process|first=Liam|last=Thorp|date=27 July 2022|website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ian-byrne-considers-legal-action-25455118|title=Byrne considers legal action over West Derby reselection process|first=Liam|last=Thorp|date=7 November 2022|website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref> He sought police guidance following alleged intimidation, but his version of events was disputed by supporters of his rival, one of whom called on him to apologise.<ref name="auto"/>


On 23 July 2024, Byrne, along with six other Labour MPs, had the [[Whip (politics)|whip]] withdrawn and was suspended from the Labour Party for six months for voting for a [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] amendment to end the [[two child benefit cap]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c978m6z3egno|title=Labour suspends seven rebel MPs over two-child benefit cap|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=23 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/23/labour-mps-vote-to-scrap-two-child-benefit-cap-in-first-rebellion-for-starmer|title=Labour suspends seven rebels who voted to scrap two-child benefit cap|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=23 July 2024}}</ref>
On 20 November 2022 Byrne was narrowly reselected as the candidate for Liverpool West Derby at the next general election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ian-byrne-defeats-anthony-lavelle-25561940|title=Ian Byrne defeats Anthony Lavelle to win Labour's West Derby nomination|date=20 November 2022|language=en-gb|first=Liam|last=Thorp|website=[[Liverpool Echo]]|access-date=20 November 2022}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://twitter.com/IanByrneMP Twitter]
* [https://twitter.com/IanByrneMP Twitter]
* {{Facebook | IanByrneMP | Ian Byrne}}
* {{Facebook | IanByrneMP | Ian Byrne}}
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}}
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}{{Independent MPs in the United Kingdom}}{{Socialist Campaign Group}}
{{s-end}}

{{North West Labour Party MPs}}
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{{Socialist Campaign Group}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:People from Knowsley, Merseyside]]
[[Category:People from Knowsley, Merseyside]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) councillors in Liverpool]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) councillors in Liverpool]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2019–present]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2019–2024]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies]]
[[Category:English socialists]]
[[Category:English socialists]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Open University]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Open University]]
[[Category:British taxi drivers]]
[[Category:British taxi drivers]]
[[Category:Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East]]
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[[Category:Socialist Campaign Group]]
[[Category:UK MPs 2024–present]]
[[Category:Independent members of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 18:31, 11 November 2024

For the hurler of the same name, see Ian Byrne (hurler).
Ian Byrne
MP
Official portrait, 2019
Member of Parliament
for Liverpool West Derby
Incumbent
Assumed office
12 December 2019
Preceded byStephen Twigg
Majority20,423 (53.8%)
Personal details
Born
Ian Robert Byrne

(1972-05-10) 10 May 1972 (age 52)
Liverpool, England
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		Labour Party (2018–2024; suspended and whip withdrawn)
Socialist Campaign Group (2019–present)
Alma materOpen University
WebsiteOfficial website

Ian Robert Byrne[1] (born 10 May 1972)[2] is a British independent, formerly Labour politician who has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Liverpool West Derby since 2019.[3]

Early life and career

[edit]

Ian Byrne was born on 10 May 1972 in Liverpool. He grew up on the Stockbridge Village (formerly Cantril Farm) estate in the city. At the age of 16 he was present at the Hillsborough disaster and escaped before the crush occurred. His father was seriously injured.[4]

He worked as a taxi driver while studying at The Open University, gaining a degree over six years.[5] He was an active member of Unite the Union, where he later was employed as a trade union organiser. His work included organising sub-contracted NHS workers for better pay and conditions.[6]

In 2015, Byrne co-founded Fans Supporting Foodbanks, a community initiative by football fans to tackle food poverty in Liverpool.[7][8] Before becoming an MP, he worked with Dan Carden in the neighbouring constituency of Liverpool Walton.

In 2018, Byrne was elected as a councillor to Liverpool City Council, representing the Everton ward alongside Labour's Cllr Jane Corbett and Cllr Frank Prendergast MBE.[9] He continued to serve as a local councillor after becoming an MP, donating his councillor's allowance to Vauxhall Law Centre.[10] In 2022, Byrne stood down from his council seat and was succeeded by his daughter, Ellie.[11]

Parliamentary career

[edit]

On 3 November 2019, Byrne was selected as the Labour candidate for Liverpool West Derby. Byrne won the "chaotic" selection process by three votes against local councillor Angela Coleman.[12] Byrne apologised when it was reported he had posted historical comments abusing Conservative politicians, a joke involving the Paralympics and a homophobic slur on his Facebook account; the account was then deleted.[13] Liz Truss called on Byrne to stand down as a candidate following the controversy.[14] Labour shadow Chancellor John McDonnell publicly supported Byrne's nomination.[15]

At the 2019 general election, Byrne was elected to Parliament as MP for Liverpool West Derby with 77.6% of the vote and a majority of 29,984.[3][16]

Byrne was a supporter of the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. He is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and backed his Campaign Group colleagues Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon in the 2020 Labour leadership election and deputy leadership election.[17]

In December 2020, Byrne launched a campaign for the Right to Food to be written into UK law.[18] Byrne was named as "Overall MP of the Year" for 2021 by the Patchwork Foundation, in recognition for his campaigning against food insecurity and workers' rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.[19][20]

During 2022, Byrne was criticised by some Labour members for allegedly putting campaigns on food poverty and the legacy of the Hillsborough disaster ahead of constituency issues.[21] West Derby Constituency Labour Party branches and affiliates voted to trigger a reselection process for the seat in October 2022.[22][23][24][25] Byrne raised concerns about the reselection process, and threatened to take legal action after alleging multiple rule breaches.[26][27] He said he would consider getting police guidance over alleged intimidation at a campaign event. Supporters of his rival said there was no intimidation and one called on Byrne to retract his allegation.[21]

At the 2024 general election, Byrne was re-elected to Parliament as MP for Liverpool West Derby with a decreased vote share of 66.6% and a decreased majority of 20,423.[28]

On 23 July 2024, Byrne, along with six other Labour MPs, had the whip withdrawn and was suspended from the Labour Party for six months for voting for a SNP amendment to end the two child benefit cap.[29][30]

Personal life

[edit]

Byrne is a supporter of Liverpool F.C. and a committee member of Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly.[31]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Members Sworn". Hansard.parliament.uk. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Byrne, Ian". Politics.co.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2021. 10 May 1972 comes up in searches
  3. ^ a b "Liverpool West Derby parliamentary constituency - Election 2019". BBC News. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  4. ^ Traynor, Luke (22 April 2020). "MP who survived Hillsborough backs new law for equal justice". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  5. ^ Byrne, Ian [@IanByrneMP] (12 November 2019). ""One of my proudest achievements..."" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ^ ""Only bold state intervention will see us through this crisis" – Ian Byrne's maiden speech". LabourList. 23 March 2020.
  7. ^ "Fans Supporting Foodbanks: "It's not charity, it's solidarity". This is Anfield. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  8. ^ "Heroic efforts in Liverpool creating vital PPE for the NHS and getting food to the needy". Liverpool Echo. 18 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Councillor details - Councillor Ian Byrne". councillors.liverpool.gov.uk. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  10. ^ "About". Ian Byrne MP official website.
  11. ^ Humphreys, David (8 April 2022). "Labour holds on after Liverpool City Council by-elections". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Ian Byrne narrowly wins Liverpool West Derby selection race". 3 November 2019.
  13. ^ "Labour candidate Ian Byrne shared abusive comments about female politicians". LBC.
  14. ^ "General Election: 'Sexist' Labour candidate 'should step down'". 8 November 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  15. ^ Sun, The (12 November 2019). "John McDonnell backs Labour candidate Ian Byrne despite homophobic slur". Head Topics.
  16. ^ "Commons Briefing Paper 8749. General Election 2019: results and analysis" (PDF). London: House of Commons Library. 28 January 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  17. ^ Byrne, Ian (2 March 2020). "From the Terraces to Westminster". Tribune. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  18. ^ "The mission to end food poverty that is starting on the streets of Liverpool". Liverpool Echo. 20 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Liverpool's Ian Byrne named MP of the Year". 19 March 2022.
  20. ^ "MP of the Year Awards". 23 October 2012.
  21. ^ a b "West Derby MP says he will seek police advice over intimidation". BBC News. 14 November 2022.
  22. ^ "Liverpool Labour MP Ian Byrne faces reselection battle". BBC News. 14 October 2022.
  23. ^ Byrne, Ian [@IanByrneMP] (13 October 2022). "I have been informed by the Labour Party that I have been 'triggered' and than an open contest to select the labour candidate to represent West Derby at the next General Election will begin imminently" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne facing fight to keep seat". 13 October 2022.
  25. ^ Thorp, Liam (18 October 2022). "Burnham and Rotheram back Ian Byrne in West Derby seat FIGHT". Liverpool Echo.
  26. ^ Thorp, Liam (27 July 2022). "Liverpool MP Ian Byrne raises concerns about reselection process". Liverpool Echo.
  27. ^ Thorp, Liam (7 November 2022). "Byrne considers legal action over West Derby reselection process". Liverpool Echo.
  28. ^ Liverpool West Derby
  29. ^ "Labour suspends seven rebel MPs over two-child benefit cap". BBC News. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  30. ^ "Labour suspends seven rebels who voted to scrap two-child benefit cap". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  31. ^ Thorp, Liam (13 September 2019). "Liverpool fans urged to show support for fan culture at Anfield on Saturday as trademark row rumbles on". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
[edit]
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Parliament of the United Kingdom
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2019–present 		Incumbent
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