Becoming an MP is a testing process. Serving your constituents for years, only to lose your seat at the next General Election is even more testing. But to become an MP, a shadow minister, lose your seat, and then return five years later to reclaim the role you once lost is a challenging endeavour. But for Jo Platt MP, this experience has not held her back, returning to the House of Commons in July, and soon finding herself taking a seat on the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee. But who is Jo Platt, what does she want to achieve with her newfound role, and what is it that makes her right for the job? I asked her these about these very matters, and more.
Jo Platt MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for the constituency of Leigh & Atherton, in England’s North West. Having served as the MP for the former constituency of Leigh from 2017, Platt lost her seat to the Conservatives in the 2019 General Election, before returning to the House of Commons in July to reclaim her successor seat. During her first tenure in Parliament, Platt became the Parliamentary Private Secretary to then-Shadow Secretary of State for Education, and now Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. She was then made a Shadow Minister in the Cabinet Office, focusing on digital and cybersecurity, up until the 2019 General Election. The first female MP for her seat in 2017, Platt previously served as a councillor on Wigan Council from 2012 and was appointed as the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People in June 2014. Now back in the House of Commons, Platt is a member of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, chaired by Dame Caroline Dinenage.
Having not previously served in an arts-based role within Parliament itself, Platt began by talking about why it was she had put herself forwards for a seat on the Select Committee, and what the process of applying to sit on it was like. She explained how she’s “always believed in the incredible power of culture to bring people together and transform communities” and how it was “that passion” that brought her to the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee. “I want to be a voice for local artists and creators who often feel overlooked by larger cultural instiutions”.
“Growing up in Manchester in the ‘90s, I saw firsthand how culture could breathe new life into a city struggling with the aftermath of deindustrialisation. Community cinemas, street art, and independent venues became the beating heart of the city”. Explaining how “powerful culture can be in driving regeneration”, Platt believes that now the country has “a Labour government, we’re at a pivotal moment to make culture truly accessible for everyone. Through this role, I hope to push for meaningful change and collaborate with the Government to ensure culture remains at the heart of our communities”
Clearly hopeful as to the direction she believes the Labour Government will take the creative industries, I asked Jo Platt what her biggest hope or priority would be for the new committee, given the myriad challenges our sector currently faces. Platt wants to “put the heart of culture and sport back where it belongs – in the joy it brings to people’s lives” by championing grassroots culture and sport. But she also believes that the approach taken must be multi-faceted.
“While funding is undeniably important, it’s not just about the money. It’s about creating spaces and opportunities where communities can come together, shape their own futures, and inspire the next generation”. Speaking directly about the role of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, Platt described her wish “to see the Committee actively driving Labour’s vision of opportunity for all, making sure that culture, media and sport are accessible and enriching for every community […] where everyone can feel connected, represented and inspired”.
Whilst painting a hopeful vision of the future, Jo Platt was not afraid to discuss the challenges facing the creative arts, and how we begin to address them. When asked about the biggest challenge facing the cultural industries, Platt believes that access remains the most significant barrier. “Too many communities feel excluded from engaging with the richness of our cultural offerings, and I’ve heard directly from my constituents about how affordability is a significant barrier for them”.
“To address this, we need to take a close look at funding models, rethink policy frameworks, and strengthen the educational pipeline to ensure that opportunities in culture, media and sport are truly open to everyone”.
Speaking to her role in shaping this change and future that she wishes to see, Platt praised “the Government’s commitment to making these sectors more inclusive” and hopes to use her role to enact “meaningful changes that break down barriers and ensure that everyone – regardless of background – can take part in and benefit from our vibrant cultural landscape”.
Turning to a more topical and contentious subject, I spoke to Jo Platt in the weeks following the Budget Statement, set out by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, and followed by weeks of debate and protest around its contents, particularly regarding increasing National Insurance contributions paid by employers and the introduction of Inheritance Tax on farming estates, as well as a variety of other measures. These included a planned reduction to the annual budget for the Department of Culture, Media & Sport.
When asked about the announced measures and whether she believes they serve the cultural industries well, Platt was overwhelmingly supportive of its contents. “This is a historic moment […] the first Labour Budget in 14 years, especially as the first female Chancellor in 800 years […] sets a strong foundation for both local and national economic growth”. Explaining further, Platt was “particularly pleased to see the creative industries recognised as a key part of [Labour’s] Industrial Strategy, with clear acknowledgement of the vital role they play in driving economic prosperity. This government understands a critical truth; while talent is everywhere, opportunity often isn’t”.
Platt also praised the announced Creative Careers Programme, aimed at young people aged eleven to eighteen to “explore the incredible range of opportunities in the creative industries and connect directly with workplaces”, a measure that has been widely praised among industry providers. “As a member of the Select Committee, [Platt] is eager to work on ensuring these ambitious initiatives are implemented effectively”.
Having explored much of Platt’s hopes and ambitions for her role and the new government, I wanted to understand more about Jo Platt herself, how she has come to find herself in Parliament and what she has learned from The House of Commons and elsewhere, that she now brings to her new role. And given the history she has with public service, there was only one place to begin.
“Losing my seat in 2019 was absolutely heartbreaking. That General Election was incredibly tough […] but it taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to making a difference. Rather than letting the loss define me, I channelled my energy into a transformative local project, turning a Grade II* listed cotton mill into a thriving cooperative hub for artists, a community cinema, theatre and music studios […] now [housing] 80 businesses and social enterprises”. It was this which has “intensified” her appreciation and interest of arts and culture within the community.
“Regaining my seat in 2024 was a humbling and emotional experience. It felt like a validation of my efforts and a renewed opportunity to fight for my community. Both moments [alongside 2019’s defeat] taught me the value of perseverance and the power of grassroots change”. And it’s this grassroots efforts that has recently seen Platt and other Wigan MPs calling on the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing & Communities to release £6 million of promised, but not yet forthcoming, Levelling-Up funding, a call which now goes to one of Platt’s old friends.
“Working with Ange [Angela Rayner] was a privilege. She’s truly an inspiration to all working-class women – passionate, hardworking and absolutely committed to ensuring every child has access to opportunity […] I’m thrilled that the recent Budget confirmed £1 billion in 2025-26 for revitalising high streets, town centres and communities”. Confirming that projects in her constituency of Leigh & Atherton have secured the funding previously promised, Platt praised the “foundations of growth” that she says are “exactly what we need […] The government has committed to a refreshed vision for local growth funding, focusing on empowering local leaders”.
But arts and culture are not Platt’s only passion, having chaired an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on ADHD, and even securing a commitment from then-Prime Minister Theresa May to explore waiting times. Six years and four Prime Ministers later, I asked how progress appears to be developing since that moment in Prime Minister’s Questions. “NHS staff are working tirelessly […] and wait times for ADHD assessments and treatment are at record highs.”
“It’s deeply disappointing that the last Conservative government failed to address the broader NHS crisis, leaving so many struggling to access timely care”. With her own lived experience of ADHD and the “challenges” neurodiverse people face, Platt is “determined to reignite momentum by setting up an ADHD APPG in this Parliament” to drive “positive change” through awareness, providing a space to share ideas, and acting as a bridge between Parliament and community groups.
As my questions began to draw to a close, I wanted to focus on the changing face of British politics. With Platt being the first female MP for her constituency in 2017, at a time when even in 2019, only 33.8% of MPs were female, I asked why the rise to 40% in this Parliament is so significant. “It’s an honour to be part of the most diverse Parliament in British history – not just in terms of gender, but also race and LGBTQ+ representation […] more diversity in Parliament will lead to better outcomes for British people”.
“I’ve been inspired by so many trailblazers, but it’s women like [former Secretary of State] Barbara Castle and Angela Rayner who truly lit the path for me. They paved the way for working-class women to lead, break down barriers and drive real change in our communities”.
As for those seeking to follow in Jo Platt, or other MPs footsteps, and become Parliamentary politicians, her advice was resolute: “Stay passionate and committed to the difference you want to make […] start by getting involved locally – volunteer with arts organisations, join community projects, or advocate for cultural initiatives […] build key skills in communication, leadership and problem-solving”.
But above all, Platt urges all those seeking a career in public life to remember the people you aim to serve and who you want to be truly making a difference for. “Always keep people at the heart of your work. Public service is about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, and that means collaborating with creatives, educators and policymakers to create lasting impact”.
Jo Platt MP was elected to the Parliamentary Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee on October 21st. All members of the Committee are available here
