Katy Clark Campaign Team

Katy Clark was born and bred in Ayrshire and went on to study Law at University of Aberdeen and University of Edinburgh. During Katy’s time at University her passion and commitment for tackling issues shone through becoming active in women’s right campaigns and the anti-poll tax movement. Her strategic ability became clear when Katy was elected as NUS (Scotland) Women’s Officer at aged 18. Katy qualified in 1991 as a solicitor in Scotland later becoming qualified in England and Wales too and specialising in civil litigation, criminal defence work and employment law.

Katy developed a deepening relationship with the Trade Union movement which would take Katy on a journey from being active in the MSF trade Union and involved in Edinburgh and District Trades Council in 1990’s before moving to work for UNISON nationally in 1998 where she was appointed Head of Membership Legal Services. Katy demonstrated that she was not afraid of tackling large scale issues and many landmark legal cases. Katy led Europe’s biggest equal pay case not just winning £35m in back pay for female health staff but helping to deliver equality proofed pay structures in the NHS.

In 2005 Katy was elected as MP for North Ayrshire and Arran and Katy appeared in The Guardians ‘Class of 2005: eight to watch’. From the very start Katy stated, “My values are consistent with Labour’s traditions.” It soon became clear that what Katy valued was her constituents, ensuring over 10 years as North Ayrshire and Arran MP that she was an easily contactable representative who would listen and put individuals first.

Katy recognised that North Ayrshire consists of unique and diverse communities spread across a large geographical area. Determined to ensure all constituents had the opportunity to access their MP, Katy opened two constituency offices and held surgeries in 43 locations. Katy and her team prioritised casework tackling the real issues people were facing, helping thousands of people during her time as an MP.

Katy often successfully raised issues from the community in parliament, including securing support and retraining for workers affected by the closure of Simclar factories and securing compensation for thousands of families who lost savings with the collapse of the Farepak Christmas Club. Katy’s track record demonstrates a clear commitment to causes, Katy has consistently voted against reductions in welfare support and against renewal of trident. Katy has a strong record of campaigning on environmental issues, equality issues, workers' rights and human rights.

Katy is an experienced campaigner, has a track record of delivery as a trade unionist, lawyer, MP and Peer, and will be a powerful voice for Cunninghame North with a strong vision of what can be achieved by the Scottish Parliament to deliver social justice, bring jobs and investment and empower communities. Katy will not back down from tough challenges, listens and is a strong voice for our communities.

For more information visit katyclark.org