After 45 years as the Member of Parliament for Huddersfield, Policy Connect’s chairman Barry Sheerman concluded his remarkable parliamentary career at the end of the last parliament.   

As Policy Connect approaches its 30th anniversary, we would like to express our gratitude to Barry for his work in founding Policy Connect and support in delivering impactful research and shaping public policy across several momentous periods of British political history.      

One of the co-founders of Policy Connect in 1995, Barry served as a co-chair or member of several of the groups within the Policy Connect network, including the Skills Commission and the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Carbon Monoxide, Sustainable Resources, Manufacturing, Design and Innovation.  

Reflecting on Barry’s long parliamentary career and contribution to Policy Connect, Chief Executive Claudia Jaksch remarked that:  

“As Barry Sheerman stands down as an MP after 45 years of tireless work, I would like to emphasise the remarkable nature of his dedicated service, unwavering commitment, and profound impact. Both in his parliamentary work as well as in his work with my colleagues and me at Policy Connect, Barry’s ability and determination to bridge divides has set a standard for cross-party collaboration in policymaking, which focusses on real issues and real people. Though Barry may be leaving parliament, his legacy will continue to resonate.”  

Board Member and former Chief Executive, Jonathan Shaw, added:  

“More than forty years representing the people of Huddersfield is an outstanding achievement in itself - Barry has never lost his energy and interest for innovation particularly across the areas of manufacturing, sustainability and design. On a personal level he's been a great friend and mentor - thanks Barry.”  

Having served as Chair of the House of Commons Education and Skills select committee from 2001-07, and the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee from 2007-10, Barry was heavily involved in our Education and Skills work.  

During the final session of the last parliament, this legacy was further added to as Barry co-chaired the Skills Commission’s ‘Skills 2030’ inquiry that set out a vision for reforming the skills system in England during this Parliament.    

After the tragic death of his 10-year-old constituent Dominic Rodgers, Barry also displayed a tireless commitment to raising awareness of carbon monoxide exposure in Parliament and amongst the wider public.  

Founder of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Carbon Monoxide (previously the APPG on Gas Safety), Barry fought for improvements in regulation relating to carbon monoxide (APPCOGs ‘Carbon Monoxide alarms: tenants safe and secure in their homes’ report), and improvements in the overall awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.   

Barry’s work on carbon monoxide safety was recognised in June as he was awarded the 2024 Christopher Bielby Carbon Monoxide Award by IGEM and The CO Research Trust.   

As Gaelan Komen, Policy Connect’s lead on carbon monoxide, emphasises:  

“Barry has been a tireless advocate for carbon monoxide safety in Parliament since setting up what was the Gas Safety APPG in 2003. With Barry’s leadership, the group has consistently grown in profile and support over 20 years to ensure carbon monoxide safety is duly considered in relevant UK policy, and that the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning are honoured.”  

These are sentiments echoed by his colleague Katy Haigh, who has worked with Barry in his role as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group:  

“Since establishing the APPG for Sustainable Resources in the 1990s, Barry has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing cross-party consensus on critical environmental issues. As Chair of the Group, Barry has been an instrumental figure in fostering a deeper understanding between government and industry on critical issues of the circular economy and sustainable management of our resources and waste.”  

Across a lengthy political career that has encompassed the great policy and political debates over the past half-century in Britain, Barry’s longevity is a testament to his political skill, adaptability, and willingness to embrace parliamentary, societal, and industrial change.  

I am sure that many of you who have worked with our All-Party Parliamentary Groups can testify that Barry is a tireless campaigner, innovative policymaker, and determined champion for the people of Huddersfield and the United Kingdom.     

The entire Policy Connect team would like to thank Barry for his support and leadership and wish him well on his retirement from Parliament.