Jessica Morden

Jessica Elizabeth Morden (born 29 May 1968) is a British Labour Party politician, who was first elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Newport East in 2005.

Early life and career
Morden was born in Surrey, England and brought up in Cwmbran and educated at Croesyceiliog School before reading History at University of Birmingham.

In 1991, Morden worked for Huw Edwards, MP for Monmouth and between 1992 and 1995 she worked for Llew Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent. Before becoming an MP, Morden was General Secretary of the Welsh Labour and organized some of the election campaigns for the 1997 election.

Parliamentary career
Morden was selected as the Labour Party candidate for Newport East in 2005 by the all-women shortlists method. She was elected as the first female MP in South East Wales with a 6,800 majority.

Morden claimed a total of £167,060 in expenses in 2007/08, the 30th highest amount claimed by the 643 members of the House of Commons. Within approved guidelines, Morden used some of the expenses allowance which was unspent from the previous year to provide additional office space after having a baby; the previous year she claimed £133,592, the 406th highest that year.

Morden was re-elected at the 2017 general election with a much increased majority of 8,003.

Charity Work
Morden is one of nine presidents of The Young People's Trust for the Environment.