She is the first Conservative to represent the Wrexham constituency since its creation in 1918. In addition,Atherton is the first female MP elected to represent the seat,and became the first female Conservative MP elected to Westminster representing a Welsh constituency.[6]
Early life and career
Atherton was born in Chester in 1967,the daughter of John Atherton from Chester and Evelyn Atherton (née Morgan / Stringer) from Caernarfon. She left Christleton High School in Chester,a local comprehensive school,at the age of 16.[2]
Atherton has worked as a nurse,district nurse and social worker. In addition,she ran her own business,a micro brewery,based on Wrexham Industrial Estate.[7][8] Prior to being elected as the Member of Parliament for Wrexham,she served on Gresford Community Council. She is a member of the Royal British Legion.[2]
Sarah Atherton was elected as the Member of Parliament for Wrexham in December 2019. She became the first Conservative to represent the constituency since its inception in 1918,turning a Labour majority of 1,832 into a Conservative majority of 2,131.[9] Atherton is the first woman to represent Wrexham but also the first female Conservative MP elected to Westminster from a Welsh constituency.[10] Additionally,she holds the distinction of being the first female MP with a regular military background.[11]
Atherton's military service significantly informs her parliamentary work,particularly on the Defence Select Committee. As the only sitting female MP with regular military experience,she spearheaded an inquiry titled “Protecting Those Who Protect Us:Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life.”[12] This landmark inquiry gathered insights from over 4,200 women,both veterans and those still serving,highlighting their experiences within the armed forces. Atherton’s commitment to supporting female veterans was further demonstrated when she hosted them in Parliament [13] and delivered a speech at the launch of Salute Her UK,the first female-only veteran charity in the UK.
In her role as Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Veterans,Atherton is involved in issues affecting former service members.[14] She also contributes to other defence-focused APPGs,including those for the Armed Forces and the Armed Forces Covenant,underscoring her commitment to the welfare of those who serve and have served.
Atherton's dedication to her constituents and to the armed forces community was further highlighted during her tenure as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence People,Veterans and Service Families) at the Ministry of Defence from 20 September 2022 to 27 October 2022.[15] Although her time in this role was brief,it underscored her ongoing commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of defence personnel and their families.
Upon her election,Atherton pledged to elevate Wrexham’s profile. Her efforts contributed to Wrexham being awarded city status during Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations,a recognition of the area’s potential,ambition,and significance to the Union.[16] Additionally,Wrexham’s shortlisting for the UK's City of Culture 2025,[17] although it did not win,is a testament to the city’s cultural and social vibrancy.
Her tenure also includes serving as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Wales,Simon Hart,in February 2020. In June 2020,she championed discussions for handling cases of sexual abuse within the armed forces in civilian courts.[18]
During the coronavirus outbreak Sarah Atherton adjusted her approach on Twitter choosing to interact primarily with her followers. This decision sparked discussions among some users about communication practices.[19] Atherton was criticised on social media for promoting the re-opening of a McDonald's outlet in Wrexham on her Twitter account,citing childhood obesity and small independent businesses which require help. However,the Mcdonald's chain was highlighted as being a locally franchised operation and received support for community engagement activity such as its "Cuppa for a Copper sessions" to help neighbourhood policing within the local area.[20]
In August 2020,Atherton suggested on Twitter that the army could be a solution to prevent migrants crossing the English Channel. This proposal received critical feedback from immigration law specialists. In response,Atherton explained:"I frequently assist people in Wrexham seeking asylum. However what we are seeing in the Channel is little more than exploitation of vulnerable people by human traffickers and gang leaders." She described it as "an abuse of the system,which is blocking the way for those in genuine need of asylum."[21]
Voting record
In January 2020,Atherton voted,with the majority of MPs,against an Opposition amendment,"Proportional Representation to Elect MPs in the House of Commons",on the subject of electoral reform and PR.[22][bettersourceneeded]
In February 2020,Atherton voted with the majority of MPs against an Opposition motion on "proper funding of public services along with robust action against tax avoidance and evasion".[23] In the same month she voted with the majority of MPs against an Opposition motion on "a plan to eliminate a substantial majority of transport emissions by 2030".[24][bettersourceneeded]
In July 2020,Atherton voted with the majority of MPs against a Green Party amendment to the Trade Bill,which the proposer said "would aim to protect the NHS and publicly funded health and care services in other parts of the UK from any form of control from outside the UK".[25] Quoted after the vote,Atherton said:"I will continue to respect the manifesto upon which I was elected,which clearly stated that 'when we are negotiating trade deals,the NHS will not be on the table. The price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table. The services the NHS provides will not be on the table'."[26]
Personal life
In 2014,Atherton married Nicholas John Daniel Corcoran. She has a son. Her recreations are listed in Who's Who as "lover of real ale,sailing,ski-ing,family,countryside,passionate about Wales".[2]
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