Dr Phyllis Starkey
Labour Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South West

Background

Before entering Parliament, Dr Starkey had a double career as a distinguished research scientist and as a politician in both local and national politics. Dr Starkey qualified as a biochemist and followed a career in medical research, leading her own research group in Oxford. She then joined  Oxford City Council and was Chair of Finance for six years. From 1993-7, she was the National Chair of the Local Government Information Unit, which represents over 120 Councils across the country.

Parliament

Dr Starkey has held a number of important Parliamentary posts since she was elected in 1997:

Between 1999-2001 Dr. Starkey was a member of the Modernisation of the House of Commons Select Commitee.

In 2002 she became PPS to Denis MacShane, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

In 2005, Dr. Starkey was made Chair of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government - a post she still holds.

She has been instrumental in pushing for the East West Rail Link, and to safeguard the future of Bletchley Park.

She has also worked hard to ensure successful regeneration funding for Wolverton, Netherfield and Bletchley, as well as many other initiatives such as Sure Start and NHS Direct.

Dr Starkey lives in Milton Keynes, holds regular local surgeries and is regarded as one of the hardest working MPs, always ready to lend a hand and provide help and advice whenever asked. Click here to contact Dr Starkey.

Dr Starkey is married. Her husband, Hugh, works at the Institute of Education in London. They have two grown-up daughters and one grandson. Dr Starkey enjoys walking, gardening and going to the cinema.