Chris Evans



Christopher James Evans (born 7 July 1976) has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Islwyn since 2010.

Parlimentary Career
He was the Labour candidate for Cheltenham at the 2005 general election, but lost. However, at the 2010 general election he was elected MP for the safe Labour seat of Islwyn.

His maiden speech focused on affordable lending and pay day loans. Since being elected he has campaigned against fuel poverty and in January 2011 led a Westminster Hall debate and spoke out against energy price rises.

Evans is a member of the Justice Select Committee. In July 2012, after two years as an MP, he was promoted to the Shadow Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as Parliamentary Private Secretary to shadow Secretary of State Mary Creagh Following a reshuffle in October 2013, Evans joined Labour's Shadow Treasury Team as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Chris Leslie.

In March 2012 Evans introduced a ten-minute rule bill called 'The Banking Responsibility and Disclosure Bill' which aimed to tackle the growing problem of financial exclusion to ensure that banks are responsible for their actions. He has written several articles on this topic.

In 2013 Evans launched a work experience program in Islwyn to help combat the problem of youth unemployment. Working alongside 200 local businesses, the scheme offers 6–8 week work placements for 18- to 24-year-olds out of work. Unlike government schemes the Islwyn Work Experience Programme is entirely voluntary with applicants receiving additional help from Job Centre Plus to continue looking for permanent work.