Thelma Doris Walker[3] (born 7 April 1957) is a British politician, formerly the Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Colne Valley from 2017 to 2019.
[15] Walker lost her seat in the 2019 general election to Jason McCartney of the Conservatives, whom she had previously unseated as the MP in 2017.
She later explained that she left because she felt Starmer was being spiteful towards Corbyn, even prior to his suspension, and because she had concerns about the party's positions on the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill and on schools being open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reality is that public transport is much cheaper and connectivity far better in London, education is far better funded and council tax in Westminster is far lower than in many of the most deprived northern towns.
"[20] She also stated that she believed Scottish and Welsh independence were both likely, as well as Irish reunification, and then "what is left will be little Englanders, and the north still being run by the Westminster establishment.
And I think that's what has rattled the cages of Labour and co."[22] As the NIP failed to register with the Electoral Commission before nominations closed, Walker was listed on the ballot as an independent.
"[25] As part of this group, all PAL members endorsed Dave Nellist, of the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition, in the 2022 Birmingham Erdington by election.
Guests on the podcast have included Labour MPs such as Rebecca Long-Bailey, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler, Clive Lewis and John McDonnell; journalists Ash Sarkar and Owen Jones; and Red Pepper editor Hilary Wainwright.