Rob Marris
| Rob Marris MP |
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|---|---|
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| Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West |
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| Assumed office 7 May 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Uppal |
| In office 7 June 2001 – 12 April 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Jenny Jones |
| Succeeded by | Paul Uppal |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 April 1955 Wolverhampton, England |
| Political party | Labour |
| Other political affiliations |
New Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | University of British Columbia |
| Website | Official website |
Robert Howard Marris (born 8 April 1955)[1] is a British Labour Party politician, who was returned in 2015 as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wolverhampton South West, having been elected (with a majority of 801) in the General Election of that year, and having previously held the seat from 2001 to 2010. He is currently a shadow Treasury Minister.
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Early life and career
The son of Dr. Charles Marris and Margaret Marris JP, he was born in Wolverhampton and partially educated at Warstones Primary School, before attending Birchfield Preparatory School and St. Edward's School in Oxford. He then moved to Canada and spent some time as a lumberjack, before obtaining a double first in History and Sociology from the University of British Columbia.[1] He then completed a master's degree, working as a truck driver whilst finishing his thesis.[2] Having decided he wanted a career in law in the UK and not being eligible for a UK grant, he spent 3 years driving trolleybuses, followed by a period as a forest fire fighter during which time he joined Greenpeace, newly founded in Vancouver, becoming world member no. 204. He was also a member of the New Democratic Party,[2] Canada's counterpart to the Labour Party as members of the Socialist International. He served his articles of clerkship in Wolverhampton and went to work for Thompsons solicitors, whose work he says is 90% Trade Union related,[2] until he was elected to Parliament.[3]
Political career
On 8 July 2007, he became PPS to Shaun Woodward, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
In July 2008, Marris received the coveted "Backbencher of the Year" award.[4] Marris has spoken in a "well above average" number of parliamentary debates and has a "well above average" voting record.[5]
Marris emerged well from the May 2009 political scandal of MPs expenses disclosures[6] being listed as a "saint", with minimal claims for second home. However, he was defeated in the 2010 general election by Paul Uppal of the Conservative Party.
In May 2013 Marris was selected as the Labour Party's Parliamentary candidate for Wolverhampton South West in the 2015 General Election.[3] The seat once belonged the controversial former MP Enoch Powell. In the run-up to the election, both Marris, his main opponent, Paul Uppal and even UKIP agreed that immigration was no longer a key issue.[7] Marris expressed concern about zero-hour contracts, foodbanks and workers earnings below living wages and whilst Uppal highlighted the improvement in community relations.[7]
Assisted dying bill
In 2015 Marris introduced the Assisted dying Bill, based on Lord Falconer of Thoroton’s earlier proposals in the House of Lords.[8] The bill was praised by Philip Collins (journalist) chief leader writer for the Times as “a sophisticated and humane attempt” to clarify the law before the courts do so and which unlike religion “will actually ease suffering.” Archbishop Welby’s subsequent objections were described as “histrionic” and lacking any religious reason.[8] According to Linda Woodhead, professor of sociology of religion at Lancaster University, 70 per cent of religious people wanted the law changed.[9]The bill was rejected by 330 to 118.[10]
Shadow cabinet
He was appointed a shadow Treasury Minister by Jeremy Corbyn in September 2015.[11]
Outside Parliament
In June 2008, Marris was cautioned after causing damage, which he said was unintentional, to a van which was impeding his access to a bus stop. [12]
He is Honorary President of the Wolves on Wheels Cycle Campaign.[13]
References
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External links
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West 2001–2010 |
Succeeded by Paul Uppal |
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West 2015–present |
Incumbent |
