Claire Curtis-Thomas facts for kids

Claire Curtis-Thomas was a British politician from the Labour Party. She was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Crosby. She served in this role from 1997 to 2010.

During her time as an MP, Claire Curtis-Thomas focused on several important areas. She worked on challenges in the construction industry. She also supported programs that help young people learn job skills, called apprenticeships. A big part of her work was encouraging more women to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.

Early Life and Education

Claire Curtis-Thomas was born on April 30, 1958. She went to Mynyddbach Comprehensive School in Swansea, Wales. After school, she studied at University College, Cardiff. There, she earned a degree in mechanical engineering. She also studied at Aston University, where she completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA). In 1999, she received an honorary PhD in Technology.

Early Career

Claire Curtis-Thomas started her career as a researcher in 1984. She then worked at Shell Chemicals, where she held several important roles. These included being a mechanical engineer and leading supply and distribution for the UK. She also managed environmental strategy.

Later, she worked for Birmingham City Council. She was a research and development head, and then led strategy and business planning. In 1996, she became a dean at the University of Wales, Newport. She also served as a local councillor for Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council from 1995 to 1997.

Parliamentary Career

Claire Curtis-Thomas was first elected to the House of Commons in the 1997 general election. She won the seat for Crosby, defeating the Conservative MP Malcolm Thornton. Her first speech in Parliament was about engineering, a topic she cared deeply about.

Key Roles in Parliament

After being elected, she changed her name to Claire Curtis-Thomas. This name combined her mother's maiden name and her mother's second husband's surname. She became a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee. This committee looks into scientific and technological issues.

Later, she joined the Home Affairs Select Committee. After the 2005 General Election, she became a member of the Trade and Industry Committee. This committee focuses on business and industry matters.

Supporting Women in STEM

As one of the few engineers in Parliament, Claire Curtis-Thomas was passionate about her field. She helped start an all-party parliamentary group called Women in Science, Engineering and Design (WISED). This group worked to support and encourage women in these important areas.

She was also involved with the Waterloo Partnership. This charity, based in her constituency, helps raise money for people in Waterloo, Sierra Leone.

End of Parliamentary Service

The Crosby area she represented changed due to new constituency boundaries. It was replaced by Sefton Central. On October 7, 2009, Claire Curtis-Thomas announced she would not seek re-election in the 2010 general election. She explained that it was difficult to balance her duties as an MP with her family life.

Personal Life

Claire Curtis-Thomas married Philip Tansley in 1984, and they later divorced in 1995. She then married Michael Lewis Jakub in 1996. They have one son together. In November 2003, she was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic faith.

Today, she is the chief executive of the British Board of Agrément. This organization helps ensure that construction products and systems are safe and effective.