Kim McGuinness

Kim McGuinness (born 29 May 1985) is a British Labour Co-op politician who was elected as the strategic authority mayor for the North East in May 2024. Previously, she served as the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner between 2019 and 2024.

Early life

McGuinness was born in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne. She attended Cheviot First School and Gosforth High School. McGuinness was the first in her family to attend university and graduated from Newcastle University in 2006 where she studied history. Prior to entering politics McGuinness worked professionally in a number of sectors including finance, universities and charities.

McGuinness became the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner in a by-election on 18 July 2019, succeeding Dame Vera Baird and the acting commissioner, Ruth Durham, following Baird leaving the role to become Victims' Commissioner. The election took place on 2 May 2024.

In July 2023, an allegedly racist tweet came to light that McGuinness had posted in 2011. The tweet stated "f*** off! I am not a gypsy!" In February 2024 a complaint was made by The Traveller Movement to Keir Starmer, and McGuinness apologised for the remark.

In May 2024 McGuinness was elected as the first North East Mayor. She won 41.3% of the vote.

McGuinness became the first chair of the newly formed The Great North Partnership in May 2025.

Personal life McGuinness lives in Northumberland with her husband David Prutton, a serving Royal Air Force officer.