Sylvia Heal

Labour MP Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Date of birth

20 July 1942

Political profile

Sylvia Heal first came to public attention when, in 1990, she was won the Mid Staffordshire by-election for Labour, on a massive swing of 21%.

She lost the seat at the 1992 general election, but returned in 1997 as member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

A former close associate of Neil Kinnock, she became the focus of controversy in 2000 when she was named to succeed Michael Martin as a Deputy Speaker.

The appointment was a surprising one because of her relative inexperience as a parliamentarian.

She was attacked by some MPs because she is the sister of Labour MP Ann Keen, who organised Michael Martin's successful campaign for the Speakership.

As tradition dictates, she has not spoken or voted in the Commons since taking on the post.

Contact

020 7219 6650