Angela Watkinson

Background

Angela has had a home in Upminster for over 40 years. She has one son, two daughters and four grandchildren. Angela enjoys crosswords, reading, especially murder mysteries and Dickens, dining with friends, the English countryside, stately homes and gardens.

Education

Attended Wanstead County High School and went on to Anglia University to read public administration as a mature student.

Career

Angela began her career in banking and then took a break to raise her family. She returned to work at a special school for physically handicapped children where she also ran riding for the disabled group. For twelve years she was a local government officer.

Experience

Angela has served as councillor for the London Borough of Havering and for Essex County Council.

She is a School Governor at Gaynes and Sacred Heart of Mary secondary schools, a former governor of Hilldene and James Oglethorpe primary schools.

Political Career

Angela was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Upminster in May 2001. She was appointed an Opposition Whip in 2002 with special responsibility for education and Northern Ireland. In 2003 her responsibilities were transferred to Home, Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Attorney General. By 2004 Angela was Shadow Minister for Education for London and Early Years.

At the 2005 General Election Angela was re-elected with a resounding 400% increase in her majority. Her brief was Shadow Minister for Local Government Affairs and Communities with special responsibility for homelessness and the Fire and Rescue Services. Early in 2006, the Conservative Leader, David Cameron, asked Angela to return to the Whips office from where the legislative business of the House of Commons is managed.

Angela's particular interests include: supporting families, local government and schools; and opposing illegal drug use and a European federal superstate.

The Group includes Colleague Members of Parliament

Launch of Local Election Campaign with David Evenett MP (right) and Roger Evans GLA (left)

Angela with General Manager of District Line Bob Thorogood

Havering Youth Parliament pupils visit the House of Commons

On a visit to South Africa with a Cross Party Committee of the Parliamentary Association Angela visited a Township where the Containers of Hope- Harold Wood had send aid.