Stephen McPartland

Stephen McPartland, Conservative MP for Stevenage, is largely known for his focus on healthcare and benefits. After entering the Commons in 2010, he repeatedly criticised the government for its handling of the benefits system, especially regarding cuts to welfare. In February 2016, he claimed to have emailed all other MPs giving details of the number of people receiving disability benefits in their constituencies. He, along with fellow Conservative rebels Jeremy Lefroy and Heidi Allen, spoke in the debate on changes to the system and raised concerns that proposed cuts to disability benefits had “not undergone sufficient scrutiny by the government.” He went on to “urge MPs to listen to the loud concerns made by disabled people who are desperate to find work, yet feel this cut will do little to help them.” He has also criticised government plans to cut tax credits and its introduction of Universal Credit, and campaigned against corporate tax avoidance. McPartland chairs the Regulatory Reform Committee and serves on the Liaison Committee. He previously held positions on the Finance and Science and Technology Committees, as well as chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Child and Youth Crime.