Social Democratic and Labour Party MP for Foyle.
Colum Eastwood made headlines in March by raising the alarm over postal failures leaving Derry patients removed from NHS waiting lists — writing to ministers in both Westminster and Stormont and speaking publicly about the human cost. He also backed the cross-party motion to refer Prime Minister Starmer to the Privileges Committee over the Mandelson appointment, breaking from Labour's allies and siding with the opposition on a question of parliamentary accountability. On Northern Ireland-specific votes, he supported the Windsor Framework machinery regulations despite DUP objections about regulatory divergence, signalling a pragmatic approach to post-Brexit arrangements.
His voting participation is low at 32%, well below the Commons average, which is not unusual for Northern Ireland parties whose MPs do not vote on England-only matters and whose Westminster presence is partly strategic. Where he does vote, he aligns entirely with SDLP positions — 100% party-line — and his stance profile reflects a consistent left-of-centre pattern: strongly pro-workers' rights, pro-welfare expansion, pro-trade union rights, and pro-rail nationalisation. He is noticeably less supportive of fiscal tightening (36% aligned) and scores 0% on anti-tax-increase votes. Compared to his SDLP colleagues, he votes somewhat more sceptically on parliamentary accountability measures and somewhat more favourably on tenant protections.
His 31 recent contributions span defence, crime, health, and local government — a broader range than his news coverage suggests, though the Derry-focused health and postal stories are where he has been most visible to constituents. He holds no committee seats, limiting his formal scrutiny role. Several high-impact local news stories were attributed to Stormont MLAs rather than Eastwood directly, so coverage in the data may understate his Westminster activity while overstating his Stormont footprint.
Colum Eastwood is the Social Democratic & Labour Party MP for Foyle, and has been an MP continually since 12 December 2019.
Top eight by total divisions voted, this parliament. Volume measures engagement, not direction — see Notable Votes for free-vote moments and rebellions.
Source · The Public Whip · Hansard
Moments where the whip was free, or where Eastwood broke ranks. Free votes are the truer signal of personal stance.
No rebellions or free votes recorded yet.
Source · Hansard
“The Bill should advance swiftly, prioritising decades-long suffering of Troubles victims over Westminster political considerations; military lobbying unfairly privileges veterans a…”
“The Bill must address legacy based on truth and honesty; 186 children were killed in the troubles and victims deserve access to justice regardless of the perpetrator's uniform.”
“Reaffirmed that democratic route under Good Friday Agreement is the only legitimate path to constitutional change; those using violence are an impediment to it.”
“Focuses on state-loyalist collusion murders and IRA informants; questions whether earlier action could have saved lives and shortened the conflict.”
Eastwood holds no select-committee seat this session. New 2024-intake MPs typically wait one term before being appointed.
| Department | Qs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | 18 | 29.5% |
| Home Office | 12 | 19.7% |
| Treasury | 7 | 11.5% |
| Ministry of Defence | 6 | 9.8% |
| Department for Work and Pensions | 4 | 6.6% |
| Department for Business and Trade | 3 | 4.9% |
| Northern Ireland Office | 3 | 4.9% |
| Department for Energy Security and Net Zero | 2 | 3.3% |
Whether his Department has considered reducing the age range for the motability scheme telematics system to 25.
The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme. Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the terms and ad…read full →
Whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of motability cars handed back as a result of the introduction of telematics systems for younger drivers.
The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme. Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation and is wholly responsible for the terms and ad…read full →
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will review the decision to withhold documents relating to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s role as UK Special Representative for Trade and Industry until 2065.
The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management o…read full →
What the Barnett allocation is for Northern Ireland from business rates and licensing reform for pubs announced on 27 January 2026.
Any Barnett consequentials for the Northern Ireland Executive resulting from policy changes will be confirmed at the relevant fiscal event.
UK Music 22 May 2025 |
Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding) Name of donor: Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding)
Address of donor: 1 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE
Estimate of the probable v… |
Unpaid Directorship of New Ireland Commission Ltd. This is an unpaid role.
Unpaid Directorship of New Ireland Commission Ltd. This is an unpaid role.
Date interest arose: 30 August 2024
(Registered 27 September 20… |
Source · Members API · Last amended 4 Nov 2025
| Category | £ | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Staffing | 250,786 | 76.3% |
| Office Costs | 29,708 | 9.0% |
| Accommodation | 26,245 | 8.0% |
| MP Travel | 14,745 | 4.5% |
| Staff Travel | 6,300 | 1.9% |
| Total · 71 claims | 328,519 | 100% |
Source · IPSA · FY 24_25
Nothing tabled for Eastwood on the published Order Paper this week.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colum EastwoodWON | Ind | 15,647 | 40.8 |
Showing the MP’s own row only. Full result table: see Foyle →