Seema Kennedy MP elected chair of APPG on Credit Unions

Seema Kennedy has been elected chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Credit Unions, taking over from Robin Walker.

The group meets several times a year to discuss issues affecting the credit union movement. It seeks to raise awareness and build consensus and political support for the movement’s development and growth.

Mr Walker stood down from the position following his appointment as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union in July. A government minister cannot be a member of the APPG.

Ms Kennedy, Conservative MP for South Ribble, has previously worked as a lawyer in the City of London and for her family’s property business in Lancashire. A member of her local credit union, she has taken a particular interest in the growth and opportunities for credit unions in her constituency and across the country. She joined the APPG on her election to Parliament last year.

Related … Nine ways in which credit unions are different

“Credit unions are a fantastic concept and have the potential to benefit so many of my constituents,” she said.

“I am keen to be involved in helping them reach the levels of penetration seen in other countries and improving awareness of the schemes available.”

Ms Kennedy performed her first duty as chair by hosting the parliamentary reception for International Credit Union Day (20 October) in the Palace of Westminster’s Churchill Room.

The APPG has over 150 members from across the parties in the Houses of Commons and Lords. Vice chairs are Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour, Poplar & Limehouse), Peter Grant (SNP, Glenrothes), Mark Durkan (SDLP, Foyle) and Lord Kennedy (Labour). The secretary is Yvonne Fovargue (Labour, Makerfield) and the treasurer is Chris Evans (Labour & Co-operative, Islwyn).