Born and raised in her own constituency of Swansea East, Carolyn grew up with a keen interest in politics. After gaining a degree in Social Policy from Swansea University, Carolyn continued to work within her community, setting up two centres for disaffected youths. This was followed by roles as a Regional Director for a capacity building not-for-profit organisation and then a Regional Manager for a children’s cancer charity. Carolyn then worked for the former Member of Parliament for Swansea East, Siân James.

On 7 May 2015, she was first elected as the constituencies Member of Parliament and was reelected in both the 2017 and 2019 elections. In April 2018 she became the first Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour. Carolyn has undertaken many frontbench roles including Shadow Home Office Minister, Shadow Women and Equalities Minister and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition.

She now sits as a Backbencher and Chairs the All Party Parliamentary Groups on Gambling Related Harm, Beauty & Wellbeing and Menopause. She also sits on the Women and Equalities and Home Affairs Select Committees and co-chairs the Government’s Menopause Taskforce.

Carolyn has run a series of successful campaigns including lowering the stakes on fixed odd betting terminals (FOBTs) and establishing a children’s funerals for bereaved families in memory of her own son Martin who died in a road accident in 1989 when he was just 8 years old. Her most recent campaign to support women experiencing symptoms of the menopause has gained widespread support across Parliament and beyond.

In constituency, Carolyn’s most notable projects focus on the elimination of food poverty and holiday hunger. Her “Everyone Deserves…” campaign ensures that families who might otherwise go without are supported with food hampers at Christmas and Easter time and lunch clubs during the summer holidays. Carolyn continues to live in her own constituency with her family