Cara Kim McGuinness[1] (born 29 May 1985) is a British Labour Party politician who was elected as the Mayor of the North East in May 2024.[2] Previously, she served as the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner between 2019 and 2024.[3][4]
Kim McGuinness | |
|---|---|
 Kim McGuinness in 2021 | |
| Mayor of the North East | |
| Assumed office 7 May 2024 | |
| Deputy | Martin Gannon |
| Preceded by | Jamie Driscoll (as Mayor of the North of Tyne) Tracey Dixon (as Chair of the North East Combined Authority) |
| Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria | |
| In office 19 July 2019 – 8 May 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Vera Baird |
| Succeeded by | Susan Dungworth |
| Member of Newcastle City Council for Lemington | |
| In office 7 May 2015 – September 2019 | |
| Succeeded by | Jason Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cara Kim McGuinness 29 May 1985 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Political party | Labour |
| Alma mater | Newcastle University (BA) |
| Website | Official website |
Early life and career
McGuinness was born in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne.[5] She grew up in a council house, her father was a scaffolder and her mother worked as a secretary at an insurance broker.[6] She attended Cheviot First School and Gosforth High School.[7] McGuinness was the first in her family to attend university and graduated from Newcastle University in 2006 where she studied history.[8] Prior to entering politics McGuinness worked professionally in a number of sectors including finance, universities and charities.[8]
McGuinness was elected to represent the Lemington ward on Newcastle City Council in 2015, before joining the authority's cabinet in 2016 as executive member for culture, sport and public health.[5][9][10]
McGuinness became the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner in a by-election on 18 July 2019, succeeding Dame Vera Baird and the acting commissioner, Ruth Durham, following Baird leaving the role to become Victims' Commissioner.[3] She retained the role following an election on 6 May 2021.[4]
McGuinness was selected as the Labour candidate for the new position of North East Mayor in July 2023.[11][12] The election took place on 2 May 2024.[13]
In July 2023, an allegedly racist tweet came to light that had been posted by Kim McGuinness in 2011. The tweet stated "f*** off! I am not a gypsy!" In February 2024 a complaint was made by The Traveller Movement to Keir Starmer, and McGuinness apologised for what she admitted was an "offensive" remark.[14]
In May 2024 McGuinness was elected as the first North East Mayor. She won 41.3% of the vote.[15]
Personal life
McGuinness lives in Northumberland with her husband David Prutton,[16] a serving Royal Air Force officer.[17]
References
External links
- Official website Page on Northumbria-PCC
- Kim McGuinness on Facebook