James Cartlidge · Conservative and Unionist Party
East of England, England
: 74,619
Con held for 5 consecutive elections.
MP News Approval i
+38
James Cartlidge
Conservative and Unionist PartyJames Cartlidge is the Conservative MP for South Suffolk, and has been an MP continually since 7 May 2015. He currently undertakes the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Defence.
MPs voted on the Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill — the final Commons vote on whether to pass the assisted dying legislation in its amended form. Passing Third Reading sends the Bill to the House of Lords.
A closure motion was voted on to end debate and force an immediate vote on the matter under discussion. Closure motions are a procedural tool used to curtail further debate; passing one (288 Ayes vs 239 Noes) meant the House moved directly to a division on the substantive question.
Vote on whether to allow employers who opt out of providing assisted dying to also prohibit their employees from participating in assisted dying while working for them. This amendment to the Terminally Ill Adults Bill would let, for example, a religious hospice or care home prevent its staff from facilitating assisted dying even if the individual healthcare worker personally wished to do so.
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Sign up freeCoverage of South Suffolk has been predominantly positive for James across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“James Cartlidge: When it comes to our defence Labour's missed the boat” — Brigitte Gabriel
“Armed Forces minister 'hasn't been allowed to see defence investment plan'” — Yahoo News UK
Critical coverage
“HMS Dragon nears Cyprus less than two weeks after leaving Portsmouth” — The News
“HMS Dragon arrives in eastern Mediterranean 3 weeks after leaving UK” — Southern Daily Echo
Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Sudbury, Hadleigh and Ipswich. Population 92,317, notably older (median age 49 vs 41 nationally). Recorded crime is 53% below the national average.
Woodland sanctuary 'building something that will outlast them' recognised by the King
Ipswich Star · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£29,600
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£42,400
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
4,190
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
56
38 primary, 5 secondary, 13 other
Total Income Tax▼
£365m
from 48,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,990
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£7,530
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▼
44.5
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
63.5%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 city, 3 towns, 15 villages, rural areas — 92,332 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
32 councillors across 24 wards · Last elections: May 2023
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assington | Liberal Democrats | Lee Jonathan Parker | May 2023 |
| Box Vale | Liberal Democrats | Bryn Hurren | May 2023 |
| Brantham | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Alastair McCraw | May 2023 |
| Brett Vale | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | John Ward | May 2023 |
| Bures St Mary Nayland | Conservative and Unionist Party | Isabelle Anne Lawrence Reece | May 2023 |
| Capel St Mary | Liberal Democrats | John Whyman | May 2023 |
| Chadacre | Conservative and Unionist Party | Michael John Holt | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Stephen Albert Plumb | May 2023 | |
| Copdock Washbrook | Liberal Democrats | David Busby | May 2023 |
| East Bergholt | Green Party of England and Wales | Sallie Jean Davies | May 2023 |
| Ganges | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Derek Stephen Davis | May 2023 |
| Great Cornard | Conservative and Unionist Party | Mark David Newman | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Peter Beer | May 2023 | |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Ruth Anne Hendry | May 2023 | |
| Hadleigh North | Green Party of England and Wales | Simon Dowling | May 2023 |
| Hadleigh South | Green Party of England and Wales | Jane Margaret Carruthers | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Kathryn Susanne Grandon | May 2023 | |
| Lavenham | Conservative and Unionist Party | Margaret Valerie Maybury | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Paul John Clover | May 2023 | |
| Long Melford | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | John Michael Nunn | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Liz Malvisi | May 2023 | |
| North West Cosford | Green Party of England and Wales | Deborah Saw | May 2023 |
| Orwell | Green Party of England and Wales | Daniel Grant Potter | May 2023 |
| South East Cosford | Green Party of England and Wales | Leigh Jamieson | May 2023 |
| Sproughton Pinewood | Conservative and Unionist Party | Brian Riley | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Helen Davies | May 2023 | |
| Stour | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Mary McLaren | May 2023 |
| Sudbury North East | Labour Party | Alison Owen | May 2023 |
| Sudbury North West | Green Party of England and Wales | Jessie Kate Carter | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Tim Regester | May 2023 | |
| Sudbury South East | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Adrian Osborne | May 2023 |
| Sudbury South West | Green Party of England and Wales | Laura Smith | May 2023 |
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 GE | Con | 16,082 | 33.0% |
| Lab | 13,035 | 26.7% | |
| Ref | 9,252 | 19.0% | |
| LD | 6,424 | 13.2% | |
| Green | 4,008 | 8.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 33,270 | 62.2% |
| Lab | 10,373 | 19.4% | |
| LD | 6,702 | 12.5% | |
| Green | 3,144 | 5.9% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 32,829 | 60.5% |
| Lab | 15,080 | 27.8% | |
| LD | 3,154 | 5.8% | |
| Green | 1,723 | 3.2% | |
| Ind | 1,449 | 2.7% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 27,546 | 53.1% |
| Lab | 10,001 | 19.3% | |
| Ind | 7,897 | 15.2% | |
| LD | 4,044 | 7.8% | |
| Green | 2,253 | 4.3% | |
| Ind | 166 | 0.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Con | 24,550 | 47.8% | |
| LD | 15,861 | 30.9% | |
| Lab | 7,368 | 14.3% | |
| Ind | 3,637 | 7.1% |
James Cartlidge appeared in 2 national articles across 2 topics (11 Apr 2026 – 14 Apr 2026)
Positive (+0.45)Ranked #64 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
Effectively contrasts the government's priorities by highlighting that Labour spent £3 billion on welfare policy while cutting defence during a security crisis.
Positively positioned as calling for action to support UK SMEs and develop a Sovereign Defence Fund to protect British defence capabilities and critical supply chains.
14 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
The Eden-Rose Coppice Trust in Sudbury, which provides therapeutic woodland environments for people with life-limiting illnesses, has received the King's Award for Voluntary Services. The charity, staffed largely by beneficiaries themselves, has restored three woodland sites across Suffolk and demonstrates the positive impact of community-led voluntary service.
James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, argues that the government must address energy security through North Sea oil and gas drilling, maintain fuel duty freezes to support rural constituents reliant on vehicles, and assist farmers struggling with rising red diesel and fertiliser costs. He criticises the Labour government's energy and defence policies while promoting an upcoming Jobs Fair in Great Cornard.
A fire broke out at Brooklands Primary School in Brantham, Suffolk on Monday afternoon, causing roof and internal damage but fortunately occurring during half term when no students were present. Emergency services quickly contained the blaze, and local officials expressed hope for a swift recovery and minimal disruption to pupils.
A Conservative Home survey shows 81.2% of Conservative members support allowing US military use of UK bases in Iran operations, and 92.8% believe the UK should increase defence spending faster than the government's timeline. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge is cited as having questioned the Labour government's defence spending plans.
A significant fire broke out at Brooklands Primary School in Brantham, with smoke visible from three miles away. Multiple fire crews from Suffolk and Essex, along with police and ambulance services, responded to the incident on Monday afternoon.
Wildlife crossing signs have been installed at The Walls in Mistley after multiple bird deaths and injuries caused by speeding vehicles this year. WeCare Wildlife Rescue Centre, based in nearby Brantham, funded the signs to raise awareness and encourage safer driving speeds in this wildlife-rich area.
The Royal Navy currently operates only one combat-ready Astute-class nuclear attack submarine due to maintenance backlogs and budget constraints, with James Cartlidge, the South Suffolk MP and shadow defense secretary, criticizing the government's plan for 12 next-generation submarines as a 'fantasy fleet' lacking credible funding. The article examines the submarine readiness crisis and the AUKUS agreement to develop advanced submarines with Australia and the US.
Britain's Armed Forces minister Al Carns has allegedly been blocked from viewing the government's delayed defence investment plan by Defence Secretary John Healey, according to MPs' claims during a parliamentary hearing. The controversy highlights broader concerns about the government's military spending strategy and defence readiness amid significant budget pressures.
A Russian shadow fleet tanker sailed through the English Channel on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Starmer announced new powers to seize such vessels in British waters. The ship passed unchallenged despite the government's stated commitment to combat Putin's shadow fleet financing his war in Ukraine.
Defence Secretary John Healey faced criticism after incorrectly stating the Royal Navy has 17 frigates and destroyers when it actually has 13, amid reports that the UK must use a German warship to lead a NATO mission due to lack of available vessels. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, the South Suffolk MP, criticized Healey's error as a 'farce' and 'car crash interview' at a time of military conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Donald Trump has criticized Britain's Royal Navy capabilities and the UK government's reluctance to support US military operations against Iran, describing British aircraft carriers as 'toys'. The article also highlights concerns about the Royal Navy's operational readiness, with the Defence Secretary unable to confirm how many of the 17 frigates and destroyers are combat-ready.
The government has confirmed plans to replace Suffolk's current councils with three unitary authorities: Greater Ipswich Council, East Suffolk Council, and West Suffolk Council. Community leaders, business figures, and local MPs have largely welcomed the decision as transformational, though some caution about implementation details.
A former general warns that the British Army is so depleted it could only seize a small market town in conflict, amid ongoing concerns about Armed Forces capabilities. The article highlights the government's delayed Defence Investment Plan and criticism from opposition figures about defence readiness during a dangerous geopolitical period.
Nigel Farage visited Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium on Monday for a commercial tour and photo opportunity, generating significant controversy among fans and local anti-racism groups. The visit prompted protests in Felixstowe and at a Reform rally at Trinity Park, with critics highlighting the hypocrisy of Farage's previous statements that politics and football should remain separate.
Prime Minister Starmer faced parliamentary questioning on defence spending timelines and UK military readiness, with the Government committing to 2.5% by 2027 and 3% by the next Parliament, but facing criticism over delays to the Defence Investment Plan and concerns about military preparedness. James Cartlidge, the Shadow Defence Secretary, challenged the Government on the publication timeline and described the delays as 'entering the realms of farce'.
HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer based in Portsmouth, has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean to support UK defence operations and reinforce security in Cyprus following drone strikes. The deployment includes 500 additional air defence personnel and represents the UK's largest military presence in the region in 15 years, coordinated with allies including the US, France, and Greece.
HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean to support Cyprus's defence. James Cartlidge MP questioned the Defence Secretary about the delayed deployment and the adequacy of Type 45 capabilities in light of Iranian missile threats.
HMS Dragon, a UK Type 45 destroyer, has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus almost three weeks after deployment was announced, following drone attacks on RAF Akrotiri. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the vessel will integrate into Cyprus's defence operations as part of broader UK military reinforcement in the region amid Iran tensions.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced that HMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean to support Cyprus's defence following Iranian drone attacks. The warship departed Portsmouth on March 10 and will now integrate operationally with Cyprus's defence systems alongside allied forces.
James Cartlidge, Shadow Defence Secretary and South Suffolk MP, criticises Labour's defence policy for delaying procurement decisions and putting 'rearmament on hold' during multiple global conflicts. He outlines Conservative defence plans including 20,000 additional troops, a £17bn Sovereign Defence Fund, and fast-track procurement of drone technology, positioning himself as the architect of modernised defence strategy.
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