Michael Shanks.
Labour Party MP for Rutherglen.
31 May 2026
Labour Party MP in Scottish National Party (SNP)-controlled territory.
Michael Shanks is the Labour MP for Rutherglen, and has been an MP continually since 5 October 2023. He currently holds the Government post of Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).
By issue — what do they vote on most?
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
Notable votes — free votes & rebellions.
Moments where the whip was free, or where Shanks broke ranks. Free votes are the truer signal of personal stance.
| Date | Bill / motion | Vote | Whip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jun 2025 | Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Third Reading | No | Freevs party |
| 16 May 2025 | Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Report Stage: Amendment (a) to New Clause 10 | Yes | Freevs party |
| 16 May 2025 | Closure motion | No | Freevs party |
Words spoken, by topic.
Source · Hansard
Recent contributions.
Ground-mounted Solar Panels: Alternatives
“Ground-mounted solar is necessary alongside floating solar and rooftop options to meet clean energy targets; solar covers only 0.1-0.4% of UK land and applications are considered o…”
Topical Questions
“Defends government's clean energy approach through local power plan and plug-in solar initiatives; counters Scottish independence claims about energy self-sufficiency.”
Methane from Landfill Sites
“Acknowledges landfill methane's role in generating ~1% of UK electricity but does not view it as critical to energy security; committed to developing long-term solutions and transi…”
UN Framework Convention on International Tax Co-operation: Global Taxes
“Defends the Government's existing windfall tax as an effective measure while noting the UN convention is focused on general tax co-operation, not oil and gas-specific levies.”
Shanks holds no select-committee seat this session. New 2024-intake MPs typically wait one term before being appointed.
Top departments asked.
No tabled questions yet.
Most recent.
Register of interests.
A trustee of Epilepsy Scotland. This is an unpaid role.
A trustee of Epilepsy Scotland. This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 1 November 2023) |
A trustee of Interfaith Glasgow. This is an unpaid role.
A trustee of Interfaith Glasgow. This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 1 November 2023) |
A trustee of Glasgow Disabled Scouts. This is an unpaid role.
A trustee of Glasgow Disabled Scouts. This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 1 November 2023) |
A member of General Teaching Council for Scotland. This is an unpaid role.
A member of General Teaching Council for Scotland. This is an unpaid role.
(Registered 1 November 2023) |
Source · Members API · Last amended 18 Apr 2024
IPSA expenses.
| Category | £ | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Staffing | 211,486 | 76.2% |
| Accommodation | 26,439 | 9.5% |
| Office Costs | 25,884 | 9.3% |
| MP Travel | 8,882 | 3.2% |
| Staff Travel | 4,760 | 1.7% |
| Total · 145 claims | 277,452 | 100% |
Source · IPSA · FY 24_25
Nothing tabled for Shanks on the published Order Paper this week.
| Year | Constituency | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Rutherglen | 21,460 | 50.5% | Won |
| 2023 | Rutherglen and Hamilton West | 17,845 | 58.5% | Won |
| 2017 | Glasgow North West | 13,947 | 35.9% | Lost |
2024 — full result, Rutherglen.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael ShanksWON | Lab | 21,460 | 50.5 |
Showing the MP’s own row only. Full result table: see Rutherglen →
Sources, methods & last update
The Public Whip
Updated 31 May 2026
25 Jul 2024 → 15 Apr 2026
0 tabled · 0 answered
None recorded
4 entries
£277,452 · FY 24_25
Refreshed daily
DCLEAPIL