Tribute to local MPs

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey saw his personal assistant, Irene Hartley, rewarded for her 40 years spent working with constituents at the special reception at the Speaker’s House, in the House of Commons.

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron also attended the occasion alongside his assistant, Sheena Woolley, who has worked alongside him for 29 years, while Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis was honouring his own assistant, Mollie Sheerien.

Mr Healey said: “MPs are only as good as the staff we have behind us and Irene is at the heart of a very good team in Wath.

“She’s been extremely loyal and hard-working, hasn’t had a day off sick in 40 years and has provided outstanding advice and support to thousands of people.”

He added: “Constituency-based staff are often overlooked, so I am really pleased we have been able to organise this reception to recognise their commitment and the important job they do away from Westminster.”

Irene Hartley has worked for MPs in Rotherham and the Dearne for more than 40 years and is the longest-serving constituency-based member of staff in the country.

She started working for Peter Hardy, then MP for Rother Valley, in January 1974 and continued working for Mr Healey when he was elected in 1997.

The 71-year-old, from Wath, is also chair of governors at Wath Comprehensive School and volunteers for Rotherham Hospice and was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2010.

Mr Healey was equally full of praise for his personal assistant Sheena Woolley, who works at his constituency office in Dinnington.

He revealed how he “poached her” from a consultancy firm working at Rotherham Hospital 29 years ago, adding: “She has been an integral part of the team ever since.

“Having someone who will not only support the MP but the constituents, like Sheena does, is remarkable.

“She must have dealt with thousands of individual cases and has proved invaluable to many people in the Rother Valley.”