Chris Webb: Representing his hometown in Parliament

Chris Webb, born on 26 April 1986 in Blackpool, is a British Labour Party politician currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Blackpool South since May 2024. He is notably the first MP in six decades to represent his hometown in Parliament.

Webb is the son of a local postman and a teaching assistant. He attended St Mary’s High School in Blackpool and later studied British politics and legislative studies at the University of Hull. During his time at university, he was actively involved in student life, serving as the president of the rugby league club and participating in the students’ union council.

From 2015 to 2018, Webb served as a councillor on Manchester City Council, representing the Northenden ward. During his tenure, he was involved in various community initiatives and was notably stranded in Belgium during the 2016 Brussels bombings while on a delegation to the European Parliament. In December 2018, he was appointed as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, where he worked under Commissioner Clive Grunshaw until May 2021. In this role, he focused on community safety initiatives and collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to address crime in the region. Beyond his political roles, Webb has been deeply involved in community service. He has volunteered at the Blackpool Food Bank and serves as the chair of trustees for Counselling in the Community, a local mental health charity. His dedication to supporting vulnerable populations was recognised in 2021 when he received a Local Hero Award for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Webb was elected as the MP for Blackpool South in a by-election held on 2 May 2024, following the resignation of Conservative MP Scott Benton. He secured a significant majority, reflecting the community’s desire for change. He was re-elected in the general election on 4 July 2024, further solidifying his mandate. In Parliament, he has been active in various debates and has contributed to discussions on health and social care, housing, and community development. He has also been involved in legislative processes, including the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024. In February 2025, Webb welcomed the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Bill, legislation aimed at granting regulators stronger enforcement powers against water companies failing to address pollution. He emphasised the importance of clean beaches for Blackpool’s community and economy. Additionally, he has been advocating for the removal of asylum seekers from the Metropole Hotel in Blackpool, arguing that the facility should be restored to its original purpose to support local tourism and alleviate strain on local services.

Webb is married to Portia Webb, who was elected as a Labour councillor for the Tyldesley ward in Blackpool in 2023. The couple has a son, born in 2024. Webb was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 18, a personal challenge he has openly discussed to raise awareness about learning disabilities. Webb maintains an active presence on social media, regularly updating constituents on his work and engaging with community concerns. His commitment to Blackpool and its residents continues to be the driving force behind his initiatives and policies.