Jen Craft

Jennifer Craft (born ) is a British Labour Party politician and former civil servant who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Thurrock since 2024.

Early life and career Craft was born in 1985 or 1986 at Orsett Hospital in Orsett, Thurrock, England. She grew up in Grays, Thurrock and was educated at Grays Convent High School and Palmer's College. She studied politics and history at university. Before entering politics, she worked as a civil servant. She left the civil service to look after one of her children who has Down syndrome.

After Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the 2024 general election in May 2024, Craft said it was an opportunity for Labour to "unleash a decade of national renewal". She criticised the Conservative Party for presiding over the bankruptcy of Thurrock Council, which she said reflected the national situation under Sunak's Conservative government. Although optimistic, Craft warned that the election was "not a foregone conclusion" and pledged to "work hard for every single vote until the polls close" on election day. In the same month, she launched the party's six pledges for the election with Labour leader Keir Starmer. In that month, she campaigned in the constituency with Starmer and Labour frontbenchers Liz Kendall and Yvette Cooper. Her election made her one of at least three disabled MPs who were first elected in 2024, alongside Labour MP Marie Tidball and Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling. She was sworn in to Parliament on 11 July 2024 and made her maiden speech on 4 September 2024.

Since 2024, Craft has served as a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee.

Personal life Craft lives in Grays with her family.