Melanie Claire Ward[1] is a Scottish Labour Party politician who has served as Member of Parliament for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy since 2024.

Until her election in 2024, Ward was a humanitarian aid worker, working for several prominent international charities in succession.

[4] She received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from the University of Stirling,[5] and served as President of the National Union of Students Scotland.

[6] Ward received a Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from SOAS University of London in 2009.

[3] By December 2015, Ward was the associate director of policy and advocacy for the International Rescue Committee UK.

[10] In May 2024, MAP granted her leave of absence for the duration of that year's general election campaign.

[16] Ward opposed Brexit, and supported the People's Vote campaign for another referendum on UK membership of the European Union.