Cardiff West / data
Mr Alex Barros-Curtis · Labour Party · sitting since 04 Jul 2024 · every division, speech and committee appearance.
Since election
659days
from 04 Jul 2024
Divisions
419
of 504 possible
Attendance
83%
85 absent / paired
Whip alignment
100%
vs party majority
Speeches
49
42 debates
Written Qs
22
22 answered
Committees
2
memberships
Expenses
£118k paid
FY 2024–2025 · 96 claims
Interests
5
2 categories
A · Overview
Issue volume
Top issues by total divisions voted — engagement only, not direction.
| Issue | Volume | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxation | 93 | |
| Economy | 78 | |
| Education | 41 | |
| Employment | 37 | |
| Welfare and Benefits | 28 | |
| Constitution and Democracy | 27 | |
| Crime & Policing | 25 | |
| Housing | 23 |
Speech topics
Words spoken, by topic. Source: Hansard.
| Topic | Debates | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Culture Community | 7 | 4,150 |
| Economy Jobs | 21 | 3,570 |
| Defence | 14 | 2,298 |
| Local Government | 11 | 2,275 |
| Crime | 9 | 2,228 |
| Health | 8 | 1,613 |
| Technology | 6 | 1,602 |
| Social Care | 4 | 1,213 |
B · Notable divisions
Free votes, rebellions and high-salience whipped votes — the moments that distinguish this MP from the party machine. The full division-by-division record will follow once the per-MP archive is wired.
| Date | Division | Whip | MP voted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Dec 2024 | Elections (proportional representation): Ten Minute Rule Motion A vote on whether to allow a Bill to be introduced that would replace the current first-past-the-post voting system with proportional repres… | Free vote | No |
C · Speeches
| Date | Contribution | Words |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Apr 2026 | Rail Network Improvements5. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve the rail network in Wales. TransportEconomy JobsLocal Government | 16 |
| 22 Apr 2026 | Rail Network ImprovementsThe UK Labour Government’s generational commitment to a £14 billion pipeline of rail projects in every part of Wales is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when two Labou… TransportEconomy JobsLocal Government | 97 |
| 21 Apr 2026 | Iran: Human Rights4. What recent assessment her Department has made of the human rights situation in Iran. DefenceCulture Community | 15 |
| 21 Apr 2026 | Iran: Human RightsAs was referenced, in January, the Islamic Republic unleashed hell on its own citizens, with a brutal crackdown on civilian protests that reportedly saw more than 30,000 people kil… DefenceCulture Community | 87 |
| 19 Mar 2026 | National Security Strategy, Political Finance and Foreign InfluenceI thank my hon. Friend for that excellent statement. I fully welcome the report and its recommendations, which I will read very carefully. I share his concerns about cryptocurrenci… CrimeDefenceTechnology | 72 |
| 19 Mar 2026 | Business of the HouseIn Cardiff West, four banks have now closed—HSBC, Halifax, Barclays and, as of June, Lloyds bank in Canton. With those cumulative closures, a large part of my constituency will be … EnergyEconomy JobsLocal Government | 117 |
| 19 Mar 2026 | UK Steel StrategyI refer proudly to my membership of GMB and Unite. I welcome this brilliant announcement and especially the backing of Welsh steel, because Welsh steelmaking is expected to account… Economy JobsEnergyDefence | 111 |
| 04 Mar 2026 | UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary AgreementOur recent trade deals with the EU, UK, India and South Korea will reduce bureaucracy while giving significant benefits to our constituents in accessing these markets. Can the Mini… AgricultureEconomy JobsEnvironment | 41 |
| 04 Mar 2026 | China: Foreign Interference ArrestsI thank the Minister for his statement and for all the work he does on the defending democracy taskforce. I also put on record my thanks to the law enforcement authorities and nati… DefenceCrimeImmigration | 125 |
| 02 Mar 2026 | Representation of the People BillAs a solicitor who previously advised in this area, I am grateful to be able to contribute to tonight’s Second Reading debate. I welcome much in this Bill, including automatic vote… Economy JobsCrimeCulture Community | 501 |
| 26 Feb 2026 | St David’s Day and Welsh AffairsWhile I will always say that Cardiff Rugby is a brilliant team, I take very seriously the campaign that my hon. Friend and other colleagues have fought on this issue. I too care ab… Economy JobsCulture CommunityLocal Government | 1,028 |
| 26 Feb 2026 | St David’s Day and Welsh AffairsThank you very much for calling me, Madam Deputy Speaker—diolch yn fawr iawn. I thank the hon. Members for Ceredigion Preseli (Ben Lake) and for North Dorset (Simon Hoare), and my … Economy JobsCulture CommunityLocal Government | 504 |
| 09 Feb 2026 | Russian Influence on UK Politics and DemocracyMy hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and I fully agree. Of course, his point is about the donations that we know about, but when it comes to cryptocurrency, we do not know who … DefenceCrimeTechnology | 509 |
| 09 Feb 2026 | Russian Influence on UK Politics and DemocracyIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Pritchard. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Ben Goldsborough) for the elegant way in which he presented hi… DefenceCrimeTechnology | 728 |
| 02 Feb 2026 | Topical QuestionsThe ongoing threat to our nation’s security from grey zone activity illustrates the importance of international associations and alliances, such as NATO. Does the Minister share my… DefenceEconomy JobsTechnology | 60 |
D · Written questions
Top departments
| Department | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office | 6 | 27.3% |
| Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | 2 | 9.1% |
| Department for Transport | 2 | 9.1% |
| Department for Work and Pensions | 2 | 9.1% |
| Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | 2 | 9.1% |
| Ministry of Defence | 1 | 4.5% |
| Ministry of Justice | 1 | 4.5% |
| Department for Business and Trade | 1 | 4.5% |
Most recent
| Date | Department | Question | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Jan 2026 | Ministry of Defence | To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help deter grey zone activity. | Answered |
| 17 Nov 2025 | Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she is taking steps to encourage the United Nations to assume direct operational oversight of humanitarian-aid delivery in Gaza. | Answered |
| 10 Oct 2025 | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department plans to publish the revised Environmental Improvement Plan. | Answered |
| 10 Oct 2025 | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her Department's planned budget is for the Darwin Plus programme in financial year 2025-26. | Answered |
| 10 Oct 2025 | Department of Health and Social Care | To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to increase research funding into the development of anti-epileptic drugs with fewer side effects and greater efficacy. | Answered |
| 10 Oct 2025 | Department for Business and Trade | To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to introduce robust human rights and environmental due diligence legislation for UK businesses operating within global supply chains. | Answered |
| 10 Oct 2025 | Department for Transport | To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to support access to (a) public transport and (b) mobility schemes for people with epilepsy who are unable to drive. | Answered |
| 03 Sept 2025 | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what progress the Government has made on (a) ensuring equal treatment for BCSSS members and (b) transferring the whole of the investment reserve to the benefit of all members. | Answered |
| 29 Aug 2025 | Ministry of Justice | To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to prevent people who have committed sexual offences from obtaining parental responsibility or contact orders for children conceived as a result of their crimes; and whethe… | Answered |
| 02 Jul 2025 | Home Office | To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many football bans have been given to offenders in the last (a) 12 and (b) 18 months. | Answered |
| 02 Jun 2025 | Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that humanitarian aid is being received into the Gaza Strip. | Answered |
| 30 May 2025 | Department for Transport | To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to close existing loopholes which enable taxi drivers to work cross border. | Answered |
| 22 May 2025 | Department for Work and Pensions | To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what are the average time is for applications submitted to the Access to Work scheme between 1st November 2024 to 21st May 2025 to be (a) completed and (b) awarded. | Answered |
| 02 Apr 2025 | Department for Culture, Media and Sport | To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including the Six Nations as part of the listed events regime. | Answered |
| 27 Jan 2025 | Women and Equalities | To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress she has made on bringing forward the Conversion Practices Bill to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people; and whether there is a timeline for its introduction. | Answered |
E · Committees
| Committee | Role | House | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administration CommitteeSelect | Member | Commons | 28 Oct 2024 | present |
| Modernisation CommitteeSelect | Member | Commons | 09 Sept 2024 | present |
F · Expenses
Every business-cost claim reimbursed by IPSA in the current financial year, grouped by category. “Aggregated” rows are IPSA’s own year-end totals for cost types like payroll and rent that aren’t itemised claim-by-claim.
Category breakdown
| Category | Claims | Paid (£) | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Costs | 72 | 15,962 | 13.6% |
| Accommodation | 16 | 6,415 | 5.5% |
| Staffing | 1 | 89,857 | 76.5% |
| MP Travel | 0 | 4,648 | 4.0% |
| Staff Travel | 0 | 543 | 0.5% |
| Dependant Travel | 0 | 101 | 0.1% |
Top itemised cost types
| Cost type | Category | Claims | Paid (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Office Costs | 4 | 7,080 |
| Rent | Accommodation | 6 | 4,240 |
| Stationery & printing | Office Costs | 53 | 3,247 |
| Pooled staffing services | Staffing | 1 | 3,000 |
| Equipment - purchase | Office Costs | 5 | 2,399 |
| Software & applications | Office Costs | 9 | 2,172 |
| Utilities | Office Costs | 1 | 1,064 |
| Council tax | Accommodation | 1 | 1,030 |
| Hotel - UK Not London | Accommodation | 6 | 741 |
| Utilities | Accommodation | 3 | 403 |
Most recent
| Date | Category | Description | Paid (£) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-439] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-438] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-435] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-436] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-441] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011798-437] | 20 | Paid |
| 08 May 2025 | Office Costs Software & applications | Acrobat Pro [200011797-428] | 12 | Paid |
| 01 May 2025 | Office Costs Equipment - purchase | Office furniture | 2,076 | Paid |
| 23 Apr 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | JDR OFFICE SUPPLIES [200011798-278] | 1,200 | Paid |
| 31 Mar 2025 | Accommodation Rent | 2024-25 [***] rent pro-rata | -160 | Paid |
| 21 Mar 2025 | Accommodation Utilities | Electricity | 134 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 186 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 155 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 106 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 76 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 49 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 47 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 24 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 18 | Paid |
| 20 Mar 2025 | Office Costs Stationery & printing | Banner March 2025 | 9 | Paid |
G · Register of interests
Every financial interest declared by the MP, grouped under the Register’s official categories. Retracted entries are hidden but counted above.
6. Land and property portfolio with a value over £100,000 and where indicated, the portfolio provides a rental income of over £10,000 a year1 entry
16 Aug 2024
Type of land/property: Residential property
Number of properties: 1
Location: London
Ownership details: The property is co-owned with my spouse.
Rental income: Yes
(Registered 2 August 2024)
8. Miscellaneous4 entries
16 Aug 2024
Director of Movement for Another Future Limited. This is an unpaid role.
Date interest ended: 31 March 2026
(Registered 3 August 2024; updated 26 March 2026)
16 Aug 2024
Governor, Grafton Primary School, London (I stepped down as Chair of the Governing body at the AGM on Monday 11 November 2025). This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 2 August 2024; updated 13 November 2025)
16 Aug 2024
Practising solicitor registered on the Solicitors Register. Currently, this is an unpaid role.
(Registered 3 August 2024)
16 Aug 2024
Director of Myriad Consultants Limited. This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 3 August 2024)
H · Ward results
Most recent winning councillor in each ward — 10 wards, 23 councillor seats.
| Ward | Councillor | Party | Votes | Election |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caerau | Elaine Alison Simmons | Labour Party | 1,309 | 05 May 2022 |
| Caerau | Peter Evan Bradbury | Labour Party | 1,608 | 05 May 2022 |
| Canton | Jasmin Chowdhury | Labour Party | 2,462 | 05 May 2022 |
| Canton | Stephen Cunnah | Labour Party | 2,761 | 05 May 2022 |
| Canton | Susan Elsmore | Labour Party | 2,629 | 05 May 2022 |
| Ely | Irene May Humphreys | Labour Party | 1,369 | 05 May 2022 |
| Ely | Maliika Kaaba | Labour Party | 1,266 | 05 May 2022 |
| Ely | Russell Vivian Goodway | Labour Party | 1,418 | 05 May 2022 |
| Fairwater | Claudia Boes | Labour Party | 1,543 | 05 May 2022 |
| Fairwater | Neil John McEvoy | Propel | 1,478 | 05 May 2022 |
| Fairwater | Saleh Ahmed | Labour Party | 1,455 | 05 May 2022 |
| Llandaff | Peter Huw Jenkins | Labour Party | 1,279 | 05 May 2022 |
| Llandaff | Sean Driscoll | Conservative and Unionist Party | 1,422 | 05 May 2022 |
| Pentyrch St Fagans | Andrea Emily Gibson | Plaid Cymru, Green Party, Common Ground | 1,289 | 05 May 2022 |
| Pentyrch St Fagans | Catriona Brown-Reckless | Conservative and Unionist Party | 1,170 | 05 May 2022 |
| Pentyrch St Fagans | Rhys Owain Livesy | Plaid Cymru, Green Party, Common Ground | 1,241 | 05 May 2022 |
| Pontyclun Central | Martin Douglas Ashford | Labour Party | 346 | 05 May 2022 |
| Pontyclun East | Paul Binning | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | 239 | 05 May 2022 |
| Radyr | Calum Davies | Conservative and Unionist Party | 988 | 05 May 2022 |
| Radyr | Helen Lloyd Jones | Labour Party | 968 | 05 May 2022 |
| Riverside | Caro William Wild | Labour Party | 2,391 | 05 May 2022 |
| Riverside | Kanaya Singh | Labour Party | 2,386 | 05 May 2022 |
| Riverside | Leonora Hope Thomson | Labour Party | 2,453 | 05 May 2022 |
I · Demographics
| Indicator | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021 Census) | 106,531 | Electorate 75,697 (2024) |
| Median age | 38 | years |
| Degree-educated | 39.8% | level 4 or above |
| Ethnicity (White) | 84.4% | 2021 Census ethnic group |
| Owner-occupied | 62.8% | households |
| Private-rented | 17.8% | households |
| Social-rented | 19.2% | households |
| Employment rate | 57.2% | 16-64 in work |
J · Public spending
HMT publishes headline spending identifiable by region in PESA. Constituency-level capital allocations (Levelling-Up Fund, Towns Fund, UKSPF, transport capital, BEIS R&D) are published as separate departmental datasets. We are evaluating the cleanest reconciliation for a per-constituency view.