John Healey · Labour Party
Yorkshire and The Humber, England
: 69,133
Created in the 2023 boundary review, replacing Wentworth and Dearne.
Votes less often than 97% of MPs.
MP News Approval i
+34
John Healey
Labour PartyThe Rt Hon John Healey is the Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, and has been an MP continually since 1 May 1997. He currently holds the Government post of Secretary of State for Defence.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Rawmarsh and Conisbrough has been predominantly positive for John across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Russia's secret submarine op over Britain's undersea cables revealed” — Daily Mail Online
“Revealing covert Russian operation 'will help deter attacks on undersea cables'” — STV News
Critical coverage
“Defence Secretary 'spotted in South of France' despite sky-high Middle East tensions after Trump's 'stone age' threat | LBC” — LBC
“UK defence spending is being 'Britwashed', industry chiefs have warned” — EXPRESS
A new constituency created in the 2023 boundary review. Won by Lab in its first election in 2024. Covers Rawmarsh, Wath upon Dearne and Swinton (Rotherham). Population 84,338. Median income £25K (below average).
Le Humiliation: Once-mighty Navy faces begging French fleet for help
Daily Mail Online · 11 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£25,000
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£30,400
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
2,590
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
42
32 primary, 6 secondary, 4 other
Total Income Tax▼
£183m
from 49,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,260
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£3,760
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
43.4
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
62.3%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
7 towns, 2 villages, rural areas — 95,210 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
20 councillors across 9 wards · Last elections: May 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bramley Ravenfield | Conservative and Unionist Party | Gregory Reynolds | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Liz Duncan | May 2024 | |
| Conisbrough | Labour Party | Ian Pearson | May 2021 |
| Labour Party | Lani-Mae Ball | May 2021 | |
| Labour Party | Nigel Ball | May 2021 | |
| Edlington Warmsworth | Labour Party | Phil Cole | May 2021 |
| Edlington and Warmsworth First | Rob Reid | May 2021 | |
| Hoober | Labour Party | Denise Lelliott | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | John Williams | May 2024 | |
| Labour Party | Rajmund Edwin Brent | May 2024 | |
| Kilnhurst Swinton East | Labour Party | Nigel Harper | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Victoria Cusworth | May 2024 | |
| Rawmarsh East | Labour Party | Dave Sheppard | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Rachel Hughes | May 2024 | |
| Rawmarsh West | Labour Party | Brian Steele | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Joanna Baker-Rogers | May 2024 | |
| Swinton Rockingham | Labour Party | Chris Read | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Gina Monk | May 2024 | |
| Wath | Labour Party | Dave Jackson | May 2024 |
| Labour Party | Sheila Cowen | May 2024 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Lab | 16,612 | 49.0% |
| Ref | 9,704 | 28.6% | |
| Con | 4,496 | 13.3% | |
| Green | 1,687 | 5.0% | |
| LD | 1,137 | 3.4% | |
| WPB | 268 | 0.8% |
John Healey appeared in 29 national articles across 8 topics (9 Apr 2026 – 15 Apr 2026)
Mixed (+0.10)Ranked #10 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
While Healey acknowledges resource shortages and requests more funding, he fails to provide a timeline for publishing the Defence Investment Plan, suggesting inaction on addressing known deficiencies.
Healey's assurance that the DIP will be published 'as soon as we can' is undermined by the ongoing nine-month delay and mounting criticism from defence experts about government sluggishness, suggesting weak execution on a critical brief.
Healey is portrayed as responsibly addressing the Russian submarine threat and warning of Putin's intentions, but the article suggests he operates within a weakened Western strategic position.
Credited as pushing for higher defence spending despite Treasury resistance, showing commitment to armed forces needs though struggling against fiscal constraints.
Poll projects he will lose his seat in the predicted Labour collapse.
4 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
The Royal Navy is reportedly struggling to meet operational commitments and may need French assistance to intercept Russian vessels in British waters, according to senior defence sources. The article highlights concerns about UK naval capacity amid Russian military activity and criticism of the government's defence spending, though the MoD denies the claims.
Defence Secretary John Healey is criticised by UK defence industry figures for misleadingly claiming 84% of major contracts go to 'British-based' firms, when the term allows foreign-owned companies with only a UK postcode to qualify. The article examines concerns that genuine UK defence enterprises are disadvantaged against foreign competitors and that government procurement prioritises cost over domestic sovereignty.
Ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace criticises Defence Secretary John Healey's claims that the UK is ready to defend itself, calling proposals to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz a 'fantasy' due to underfunding and overstretched forces. The article covers broader debate about Britain's defence capabilities, with Healey defending the government's readiness while Wallace and others argue for significantly increased defence spending.
Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that Russia conducted a month-long covert operation targeting UK undersea cables using nuclear-powered and spy submarines in the North Atlantic. The UK deployed naval and RAF assets to monitor and deter the Russian vessels, successfully forcing them to retreat without any damage to critical infrastructure.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticises the Labour government's defence spending and preparedness, arguing the UK is 'woefully unprepared' for conflict and accuses ministers of prioritising welfare over defence. The speech touches on broader UK defence strategy, the Chagos Islands deal, and military readiness amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
The article reports that UK ministers fear Russian shadow fleet sailors could claim asylum if British forces seize their ships in the Channel, creating a legal loophole that prevents the Royal Navy from acting despite Prime Minister Starmer's promises to 'go after' the vessels. Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged there is 'more we can do' to address the issue.
A Daily Mail opinion piece criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer for weak defence spending, poor international diplomacy during Middle East tensions, and policies deterring AI investment. The article argues Britain's global standing has diminished under his leadership.
Defence Secretary John Healey has repeatedly refused to confirm when the Government's long-awaited defence investment plan (DIP) will be published, with the document now nine months overdue and unlikely to appear until June at the earliest. The delay, caused by a funding dispute between the Ministry of Defence and Treasury, is reportedly paralysing British defence firms and threatening billions in investment across the military-industrial sector.
An opinion piece arguing that Britain must urgently increase defence spending to counter Russian threats and compensate for declining US commitment to NATO. The article criticises both past austerity-driven underfunding and current government claims that Britain is 'ready' to defend itself, while acknowledging Defence Minister John Healey's recent naval successes against Russian espionage but questioning whether Labour can convincingly strengthen UK defences.
Defence Secretary John Healey revealed a covert Russian submarine operation tracked off the UK's northern coast, stating the disclosure will deter attacks on vital undersea cables and pipelines. Healey announced £100m investment in submarine-hunting aircraft and a new Atlantic Bastion programme to strengthen UK naval capabilities against Russian hybrid warfare threats.
The article reports that the Royal Navy has not seized Russian shadow fleet tankers despite Prime Minister Starmer's announcement of plans to do so, citing legal concerns about international maritime law. Defence Secretary John Healey defends the government's approach, claiming existing sanctions and military posturing are having an impact on Russian operations, though he acknowledges more resources would be welcomed.
Rotherham Council has announced a St George's Day celebration programme for April, including a main event at Clifton Park featuring performances, workshops, and entertainment. The initiative includes community grants to fund local St George's Day events across the borough, including a community march organised by Rawmarsh High Street Centre.
Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that Russian submarines conducted a covert month-long operation in British waters observing undersea cables and pipelines, tracked and deterred by the Royal Navy. The incident has reignited calls for increased defence spending to 3% of GDP and publication of the delayed Defence Investment Plan, with experts warning it exposes the UK's stretched military capabilities.
Defence Secretary John Healey has revealed that the British military responded to a month-long Russian submarine operation near UK undersea cables and pipelines in the Atlantic. Healey states that a warship and aircraft were deployed to monitor the Russian vessels 24/7, with no evidence of infrastructure damage reported.
Defence Secretary John Healey claimed Russian submarines attempted to spy on UK underwater infrastructure in April, stating the operation was foiled. He provided minimal evidence or detail and suggested media focus on Iran was distracting from the Russian threat, while also announcing investment in AI underwater surveillance technology.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that Russian submarines were monitored in UK waters mapping subsea communications cables and pipelines. British armed forces deployed to track and deter the vessels, which subsequently left the area; Healey warned of serious consequences for any attempt to damage critical infrastructure.
Defence Secretary John Healey announces UK-led NATO operations in the Arctic to counter Russian activity threatening underwater cables and pipelines, whilst distancing Britain from Trump's controversial Middle East policies and proposed Hormuz toll scheme. The article frames UK-Norway cooperation as Europe taking defensive action independent of Washington's direction.
The Kremlin responded to reports of a Russian naval frigate escorting sanctioned oil tankers through the English Channel, claiming Russia has the right to defend itself. UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed Britain and its allies are monitoring Russian shadow fleet operations and are prepared to take military action to interdict these vessels in support of Ukraine sanctions.
Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that the UK tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines in the North Atlantic for a month, successfully deterring covert operations targeting undersea cables and pipelines. The operation showcases UK and allied security response to Russian threats but also highlights broader concerns about UK capacity to defend critical infrastructure.
Defence Secretary John Healey admitted the Government could do more to tackle sanctioned Russian ships in the English Channel, revealing a Russian frigate escorted sanctioned oil tankers through British waters. The disclosure also exposed Kremlin submarine operations threatening UK underwater infrastructure, with Healey calling for increased military action and international coordination to counter Russian hybrid warfare.
Defence Secretary John Healey warned that Putin is using Middle East tensions to distract the UK while Russian submarines conduct covert operations against British undersea infrastructure in the Atlantic. The government has exposed and is monitoring Russian vessels surveying UK critical cables and pipelines, with Healey emphasising Britain recognises Russia as the primary threat to NATO and the UK.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced that UK forces tracked and deterred Russian spy submarines operating near undersea cables in the North Atlantic. Healey, the MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, warned Putin of serious consequences for any attempts to damage UK underwater infrastructure.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced that UK and Norwegian armed forces successfully tracked and deterred Russian submarines operating near critical undersea cables and pipelines in the North Atlantic over a month-long operation. The Russian vessels, including an Akula-class nuclear submarine and two specialist deep-sea research submarines, have now left UK waters after being monitored 24/7 by Royal Navy and RAF assets.
Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that the UK and allies tracked Russian submarines in Scottish waters for a month, successfully deterring what he described as covert Russian activity. Healey announced an additional £100m investment in submarine-hunting capabilities and a new 'Atlantic Bastion' programme, described as the largest sustained defence spending increase since the Cold War.
Defence Secretary John Healey was reportedly spotted on an EasyJet flight to the South of France during heightened US-Iran tensions following Trump's threats, while HMS Dragon was docked in the Mediterranean. The MoD did not deny the trip or clarify whether it was holiday or work-related, drawing comparisons to Dominic Raab's controversial absence during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Rotherham Council's licensing sub-committee approved extended hours and a rooftop terrace for Wigtox Lounge in Rawmarsh, with conditions including noise mitigation measures and restrictions on late-night terrace use. The decision followed concerns from residents and public health officials but was supported by 93 community members who value the venue as a local amenity.
A serious assault occurred on Scovell Avenue in Rawmarsh on April 5th, leaving a 39-year-old man with serious injuries hospitalised. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.
A retired US Navy admiral warns that Trump's threat to withdraw from NATO is serious and that European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister, must accommodate the President to maintain security guarantees. The article highlights concerns about European defence spending and the UK's military readiness, with specific criticism of Defence Secretary John Healey's apparent lack of knowledge about Royal Navy vessel numbers.
Police have sealed off a residential street on Hague Avenue in Rawmarsh as part of an ongoing incident. The cordon affects multiple houses and vehicles, with one property appearing to be specifically taped off, though details of the incident remain undisclosed.
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