About Siân James MP

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My journey to Westminster started over twenty years ago, when as a young mother, I became involved in the 1984 Miners’ Strike. I and many other women had the opportunity for the first time to be much more active within our communities. It was clear to us, we were fighting not only to secure our husband’s, brother’s and son’s employment, but to safeguard our communities and our way of life.

Speaking in public, media interviews and debating with politicians became the norm, for a complete year. When the strike ended I was afraid that I would be forced back into being an ordinary housewife, sentenced to a life of humdrum domesticity. Very quickly, I recognised that I had changed and that I really liked the person I had become.

My confidence had soared during the strike and I discovered that my ideas and opinions were just as valid as any other. It was relief that I realised that I had other options, that there were a number of opportunities available to me.

My first step was to get involved in further education, in my case, a full-time mature student. I attended Swansea University and enjoyed my three years there, pursuing a degree in the Welsh Language Department. I was heavily involved with the students’ union and an enthusiastic member of the women’s group.

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After graduation, I entered the work force and through a serious of jobs / roles I gradually worked my way up the management ladder. My career has involved working for some of the most well-known organisations in Wales, culminating with my final role as Director of Welsh Women’s Aid.

I resigned from this role to fight the Swansea East seat.

I was elected in May 2005, the first woman to represent Swansea East (one of only eight women MPs from Wales).