Phyllis Starkey

My Experience

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 won a seat on 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 Committee.
• 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.

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

Questions I have been asked