Alison Seabeck

Alison Seabeck, born Alison Ward on 20 January 1954, is a British former Labour Party politician. She served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth Devonport from 2005 to 2010 and then represented Plymouth Moor View until her defeat by Johnny Mercer in the 2015 general election. Seabeck held positions including Government Whip from 2007 to 2008, Shadow Housing Minister under Caroline Flint, and Shadow Defence Minister during Ed Miliband's tenure.

Born to Michael Ward, a former Labour MP, Seabeck was educated at Harold Hill Grammar School and the North East London Polytechnic. She worked as a researcher at the House of Commons and held affiliations with unions and feminist organizations.

In her political career, Seabeck was selected from an all-women shortlist for Plymouth Devonport in 2005, winning the seat with a majority of 8,103. She served on various select committees and acted as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Geoff Hoon. In 2010, she successfully contested Plymouth Moor View but lost in 2015.

Seabeck faced scrutiny for failing to declare interests during a parliamentary debate in 2010. She was also involved in efforts to amend housing policies, notably advocating for exemptions from the "bedroom tax" for domestic violence survivors with panic rooms.

Personal life: Seabeck married Denis G. Seabeck in 1975 and has two daughters. In 2012, she wed Nick Raynsford, a Labour MP, after a five-year relationship.