Joe Morris: Labour MP for Hexham and His Journey into British Politics
Joe Morris has emerged as a prominent figure in British politics after making history in 2024. Representing the Labour Party, he became the first Labour MP for Hexham, a constituency that had been under Conservative control for a century. His journey to the House of Commons reflects not only his dedication to public service but also a career deeply rooted in communications, political organisation, and policy development. This article explores his background, education, professional career, and rise to Parliament, providing a comprehensive view of Joe Morris as both a politician and a public servant.
Early Life and Education
Local Roots in Hexham
Joe Morris grew up in Hexham, a market town in Northumberland, where he attended local schools including Sele First School, Hexham Middle School, and Queen Elizabeth High School. His strong ties to the community are an essential part of his political identity, allowing him to understand the challenges and aspirations of local people.
University of Oxford
After excelling at school, Joe Morris went on to study History at Mansfield College, University of Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he was actively involved in student life. He participated in the Oxford University Labour Club, contributed to Oxford Student media outlets, and joined Oxide Radio. He also served as President of his college’s Junior Common Room. His university years helped to shape his political convictions and provided him with valuable experience in organisation and leadership.
Professional Career Before Parliament
Joe Morris’s career path before entering Parliament was marked by significant roles across politics, communications, and public affairs. Each role provided him with a deeper understanding of how government, industry, and media interact.
Work in Parliament
Joe Morris began his professional journey working as a parliamentary aide. Between 2016 and 2020, he worked for several Labour MPs:
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Communications Officer for Ian Lavery MP: In this role, he supported frontbench duties, drafted press releases, organised events, and developed strong relationships with media outlets across the North East.
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Parliamentary Researcher for Kate Hollern MP: He produced policy briefings, managed communications, and supported her responsibilities as Shadow Minister.
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Parliamentary Assistant to Rupa Huq MP: He assisted with policy advice, debate preparation, and secretariat duties for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Single Parent Families.
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Senior Parliamentary Assistant to Bill Esterson MP: Here, Morris was responsible for speechwriting, preparing legislative briefings, and managing relationships with journalists and stakeholders.
Through these roles, Morris built a solid foundation in political communications, parliamentary procedure, and policy development.
Make UK
In 2020, Joe Morris transitioned into the industrial sector as External Affairs Manager for UK Steel, part of the Make UK organisation. He played a key role in shaping the political engagement strategy for the steel industry. Notable achievements included:
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Leading the political and media campaign that pressured the government to reverse a decision on steel safeguards, saving the sector £85 million and protecting around 2,500 jobs.
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Securing parliamentary debates, including a Labour Opposition Day debate.
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Generating media coverage valued at more than £3.5 million.
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Building cross-party relationships and briefing MPs through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Steel.
This period highlighted his ability to blend political strategy with industry advocacy, gaining respect across the political spectrum.
Hanbury Strategy
From 2022 to 2024, Morris worked as an Associate Director at Hanbury Strategy, a public affairs and communications consultancy. His role involved advising clients on political developments, designing communication strategies, and navigating policy landscapes. The experience further strengthened his expertise in media relations and strategic engagement.
Rise to Parliament
Labour Candidate for Hexham
In October 2023, Joe Morris was selected as the Labour candidate for Hexham. His campaign was focused on representing local communities, addressing regional inequality, and offering a fresh voice in Westminster.
Election Victory in 2024
On 4 July 2024, Joe Morris achieved a landmark victory. He secured 23,988 votes (46.3%), defeating the long-serving Conservative MP Guy Opperman, who received 20,275 votes (39.1%). This result gave Morris a majority of 3,713 votes (7.2%).
The victory was historic: Hexham, a seat that had been Conservative since 1924, had finally elected a Labour MP. Morris’s success represented a major swing towards Labour in rural and suburban Northumberland, symbolising broader national shifts in political support.
Role in the House of Commons
Since entering Parliament, Joe Morris has represented Hexham in the House of Commons, engaging in debates, attending committees, and focusing on constituency casework. His experience as a researcher and aide to MPs means he entered Parliament with detailed knowledge of legislative processes and policy debates.
Morris has positioned himself as a voice for Northumberland, championing issues such as:
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Regional economic development.
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Infrastructure improvements for rural areas.
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Support for local industries, especially steel and manufacturing.
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Strengthening Labour’s representation in traditionally Conservative-held constituencies.
Political Style and Vision
Commitment to Labour Values
As a member of the Labour Party, Joe Morris has been vocal about fairness, opportunity, and community. His approach reflects Labour’s mission to reduce inequality while supporting growth and prosperity in regions like the North East.
Communication and Policy Expertise
Colleagues recognise him as an experienced researcher and communicator, with the ability to translate complex policy into clear arguments. His years in public affairs and parliamentary offices have given him skills in speechwriting, stakeholder engagement, and media relations — essential qualities for a modern MP.
Personal Life
Joe Morris continues to live in Hexham with his fiancée and their dog, Roy. His ongoing connection to his hometown strengthens his credibility as a representative who understands local needs. He remains committed to combining his national responsibilities with strong community engagement.
Conclusion
Joe Morris’s journey from Hexham schools to the University of Oxford, from political aide to Labour MP for Hexham, illustrates the path of a politician deeply grounded in public service and communications. His work with Make UK and Hanbury Strategy broadened his expertise beyond Parliament, preparing him for the responsibilities of elected office.
By winning Hexham in 2024, Joe Morris not only broke a century of Conservative dominance but also demonstrated Labour’s renewed appeal in rural and suburban constituencies. His career so far suggests a politician with both local roots and national ambition, committed to shaping a fairer, stronger Britain.
