Irene Campbell is a Scottish Labour Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran since 2024.[1]

Irene Campbell
Official portrait, 2024
Member of Parliament
for North Ayrshire and Arran
Assumed office
4 July 2024
Preceded byPatricia Gibson
Personal details
Born1964
Saltcoats
Political partyLabour
Websitewww.facebook.com/IreneCampbellMP

In the town of Saltcoats, she is the chair of SPLASH, a group seeking funding to refurbish the town's outdoor tidal pool.[2]

Early life and education

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Irene Campbell was born in 1964 in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire. She was educated locally at Auchenharvie Academy before attending university gaining a BA (Hons) and later a master's degree.[3]

SPLASH Group

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During the pandemic, Irene became frustrated at the fact swimming pools were closed and Saltcoats had an outdoor pool which had been left in a dilapidated state for a number of years.

In response, Irene founded the SPLASH Group which has been looking into getting investment to bring the tidal pool back into use which has involved work with architects.[4]

She had fond memories of the former pool from her time growing up in the town - and so the idea to return it to its former glory was born.

Since that time feasibility study and engineer’s reports have been completed, confirming that a revival of the outdoor bathing pool would be possible - and would cost in the region of £500,000.[5]

Career in Parliament

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Campbell was elected as the Scottish Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran on a 21.5% swing to Labour from the SNP, unseating the 9 year incumbent Patricia Gibson.

Campbell was sworn in on the 10th July 2024 and has committed to being a community based MP.[6]

Personal life

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Campbell lives in her home-town of Saltcoats and enjoys swimming.

Campbell is the younger sister of Professor Andy Campbell.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "North Ayrshire and Arran - General election results 2024". BBC News.
  2. ^ Grayston, Murray (31 May 2024). "'It's time for change': North Ayrshire's Labour candidate sets out campaign plans". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Irene ready to make a splash as Labour candidate sets sights on Westminster seat". Largs and Millport Weekly News. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  4. ^ "Splash group to provide update on Saltcoats outdoor pool at event next month". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Concept designs for Saltcoats outdoor pool revealed - take a look". Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Ayrshire's Labour MPs share pic from Downing Street after Starmer meeting". Irvine Times. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
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