All Party Parliamentary Group for Pensions and Growth

Sarah Edwards MP - Chair

Sarah Edwards was elected as the MP for Tamworth in October 2023 in a By-election, she secured the second highest swing at 23.9% since the second world war and is the first woman to hold the position in the seat’s 500 year history. 

She was the DEFRA Parliamentary Private Secretary to Shadow Minister Steve Reed until the General Election was called in June 2024. 

She now sits on the Business and Trade Select Committee. 

Prior to her election she worked in international development, trade unions, and cultural arts and heritage sectors. She has held trustee positions and been an NHS Governor. 

She was a US Ambassador Young Leader under Ambassador Matthew Barzun, and is a Fellow of Aspen UK Young Leaders. 

She has an interest in Corporate Governance and Leadership, and is a designer by background graduating from Central Saint Martin’s in London. 

Baroness Jeannie Drake – Vice Chair

Baroness Jeannie Drake CBE has been a Labour Life Peer since 2010. 

Baroness Drake’s experience with the pensions industry is extensive. Prior to being appointed to the House of Lords, she was Deputy Chair of the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). She has also served on both the Turner Pensions Commission and the Board of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), as well as been acting Chair of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority and Chair of the Railway Pension Commission. 

Moreover, Baroness Drake is currently a trustee of the Telefonica Pension Scheme and Director and Trustee of The People’s Pension Trustee Limited. She is also currently serving as Governor of the Pensions Policy Institute. 

Baroness Drake’s prolific career as a trade unionist included serving as President of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in 2005. Notably, the Baroness was also a Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and its predecessor, the Equal Opportunities Commission. 

John Milne MP – Officer

John Milne is the Liberal Democrat MP for the constituency of Horsham and has lived with his family in the Horsham District for 10 years. 

For many years, John worked as a Creative Director in advertising, leading campaigns on everything from mobile phones, pensions and insurance to blood donation programs and mental health fund-raising. This varied background provided valuable experience across a range of issues, preparing John for the world of politics. 

John has also worked in local government, tackling a number of key issues affecting Horsham, with a particular focus on planning and infrastructure.  

Now, as a MP, John is a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee in the House of Commons and is campaigning for progress on issues including GP wait times, special educational needs and disability funding,  the cost of living, benefits access and a fair deal for farmers.

Blake Stephenson MP – Officer

Blake is the Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire. He was elected at the 2024 General Election on Thursday 4th July. 

After being Called to the Bar, Blake built a successful career in the City of London over 15 years, working in various policy, ethics, and regulatory compliance roles within wholesale financial markets. 

In November 2024, Blake was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride. In this role he is supporting the shadow treasury team to hold the Chancellor and her Ministerial team to account on public spending, financial services policy, taxation, and economic growth.

Coming soon

Sarah Edwards MP 
The Baroness Drake CBE 
John Milne MP 
Blake Stephenson 
Josh Newbury MP 
Kirsty Blackman MP 
Gareth Snell MP 
Gurinder Josan MP 
The Baroness Altmann CBE 
Laurence Turner MP 
John Glen MP 
The Viscount Younger of Leckie 
Steve Darling MP 
Wendy Chamberlain MP 
Jayne Kirkham MP 
The Earl of Lindsay 
Neil Duncan Jordan MP 
The Lord Davies of Brixton 
Jacob Collier MP 
Johanna Baxter MP 
The Baroness Wolf of Dulwich  
Afzal Khan MP