Joan Marie Ryan

https://www.labour.org.uk/enfield-north-joan-ryan

Enfield North, Joan Ryan

Joan Ryan is a dedicated and committed campaigner for Enfield, having served three terms as the Labour MP for Enfield North between 1997 and 2010. During this time Joan led a vigorous community campaign to save Chase Farm Hospital, which has subsequently lost its A+E and maternity services under the current Conservative Government. She also campaigned for new and better schools in Enfield including the state-of-the-art Oasis Academy and Keys Meadow primary school. Locally, Joan served as a Governor at Lea Valley High School, which became one the fastest and best improved schools in the country, and at Chaseside Primary. She led the successful campaign to stop the sell-off of Forty Hall and organised many community initiatives such as health days and job fairs.

During her time as an MP Joan also served as a Minister in the Labour Governments, including as a Home Office Minister, where she led the Government's work tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and illegal immigration. She also served as the Prime Minister's Special Representative for Cyprus.

Since 2010 Joan has worked for a charity promoting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, served as Chair of the Riders for Health Charity which works to improve access to healthcare in Africa, and resumed her career as teacher. She has lived in Enfield with her husband Martin for nearly twenty years. Before she was elected Joan was a local councillor and a school teacher.

Throughout her career and life as a Mum, teacher, councillor and local MP Joan has been a passionate campaigner for high quality education and opportunity for all. Joan strongly believes that when all children are given the opportunity to learn there is no limit to their potential.