About James Morris

I have been the MP for Halesowen & Rowley Regis since May 2010, and during that time I have worked to support local people, businesses, charities, friends' groups, churches and other voluntary organisations to ensure that our area is a better place to live, work, do business and raise a family. 

Before becoming an MP I ran a small business specialising in computer software, and also founded an independent campaign called ‘Mind the Gap’ to encourage civic action and more local grass roots involvement in politics. I also worked as Chief Executive of Localis, a local government think tank, where we worked to produce ideas to give local people more of a say over how decisions made by local and national governments affect them. I regularly use the experiences I gained before 2010 to help me understand the challenges of local people and businesses and think about how I can best support them. 

Since becoming an MP I have regularly hosted Jobs & Skills Fairs in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, bringing together local employers and training providers to boost employment prospects for local people. I have also championed better support for mental health and have hosted roundtable meetings with providers to see how the support provided can be extended and improved. I’ve joined in with many community projects including litter picks and clean up events, and I’ve ran surgeries in the constituency, to talk to local people about the challenges they are facing and seeing where I can help. 

During my time in Parliament, I have previously sat on the Communities & Local Government Select Committee, chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, and represented the Lords & Commons Cricket Team against other Parliaments. I’ve held several roles as a Parliamentary aide to ministers and spent 18 months as a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party. As part of my interest in mental health, I have argued for increased funding and a greater ‘parity’ between mental and physical health care, as well as arguing for reform of the Mental Health Act.

In 2019 I was invited to serve as a Government Whip, helping to ensure our legislative programme is delivered. Between 2021 and 2022 I was additionally the ‘Vice-Chamberlain of HM Household’, a senior position within the Whips Office which involved keeping Her Late Majesty The Queen updated on House of Commons proceedings. As part of the ceremonial duties with the role, I was ‘held hostage’ at Buckingham Palace during the 2022 State Opening of Parliament, a custom that dates back to the Civil War to ensure the safe return of the sovereign. I also had the privilege of attending a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. 

Between July and September 2022 I served as a Minister at the Department of Health & Social Care, with the title of ‘Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Primary Care and Patient Safety’. The role was a regular reminder of the great NHS that we are fortunate to have, and in my time as an MP I have met many dedicated doctors, nurses and healthcare staff who have an inspiring commitment to public service.

Since October 2022 I have served on the Health & Social Care Select Committee, where our role is to provide an objective scrutiny of the work of the Department of Health & Social Care and keep Ministers and officials accountable. I am also Chair of two APPG’s  - one for Shakespeare and one for Cyber Security, two areas where I have keen interests. However, my most important role in Parliament is to bang the drum for Halesowen & Rowley Regis, and help secure jobs, investment and better standards in our schools and hospitals.

The next General Election will see the introduction of new Parliamentary constituencies, and I have been selected to contest the revised ‘Halesowen’ constituency. This will be made up of six Dudley Council wards – Belle Vale, Cradley & Wollescote, Halesowen North, Halesowen South, Hayley Green & Cradley South and Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood, plus the ward of Cradley Heath & Old Hill and a small part of the Blackheath ward from Sandwell Council. I am campaigning right across this new area, working with residents, Councillors and community groups to champion local people and businesses. Up until the election I am still the MP for the current Halesowen & Rowley Regis seat, and I will continue to serve the whole constituency and deliver on the plan that I was re-elected on in 2019.

Away from politics, I am married to Anna and we have two children, Sol and Evie. I have a keen interest in cricket and enjoy the theatre, reading and running. I ran the London Marathon in 2018 and 2019 to raise money for Halas Homes and Ups and Downs respectively, two local charities.