Joan Ryan Independent MP
Joan was born in 1955 and grew up in Warrington. Her Mum and Dad both came from Ireland. They faced discrimination but were absolutely determined to make a better future for Joan and her sisters.
Giving youngsters the chance to get on in life has always been Joan’s passion. Before she entered politics, Joan was a teacher for 14 years and worked in schools across London.
Joan was a local Councillor for 8 years, and served as Deputy Leader of Barnet Council for 3 years.
She has also served as Chair of the charity, Riders for Health, which worked to ensure health workers in Africa can access reliable transportation to reach isolated people. As the former Chief Executive of the Global Tamil Forum, Joan campaigned for a lasting and just peace in Sri Lanka. In addition, Joan has worked as a training consultant strengthening democracy and parliamentary procedures with a number of organisations.
In Parliament:
Joan Ryan is the Member of Parliament for Enfield North. Joan was re-elected in the 2017 General Election with an increased majority of 10,247. She regained the seat in the 2015 General Election, having previously served as the representative for the constituency from 1997 to 2010.
In June 2007, Joan was appointed a member of the Privy Council. She is a current member of the Speaker appointed Panel of Chairs in Parliament, chairing Public Bill Committees and Westminster Hall debates. She is also the Parliamentary Chair of the Labour Friends of Israel, which is committed to a two-state solution with Israel living in peace with her neighbours and the establishment of a viable and democratic Palestinian state.
Joan served as an Assistant and Senior Government Whip from 2002 to 2006. In May 2006, she was appointed a Minister in the Home Office. From June 2007 to September 2008, Ms Ryan was the Prime Minister’s Special Representative to Cyprus.
Read Full News Story » The Independent Group MPs
