Yvonne Fovargue

Yvonne Fovargue is a former housing officer and chief executive of St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau, serving for over twenty years. In 2004, she became a local councillor. Fovargue held several prominent roles under Ed Miliband, first as an opposition whip and then as shadow minister for transport and defence. Fovargue was appointed shadow education minister in 2014, with special responsibility for further education and skills. Under Jeremy Corbyn, she served roles including shadow minister for business, communities and housing. Fovargue stayed in the latter post until she was asked to resign in 2019 after defying the Labour whip and voting to block a second Brexit referendum. Fovargue voted Remain but claimed, “I could not support a second referendum given the commitments I have made and from listening to [my] constituents.” Since 2020, she has been on the Panel of Chairs. Previously, she has been on the health and social care, consolidation and bills, and procedures committees. Fovargue is a member of Unite, the Co-operative Party and Mensa, a non-profit for people with exceptionally high IQs. She advocates for low-paid workers, public sector workers’ rights and continues to promote the CAB.