Andrew Pakes: Championing Jobs, Opportunities, and Growth in Peterborough

Andrew Pakes is the Labour & Co‑operative Member of Parliament for Peterborough, born on 24 April 1973. With a strong commitment to creating jobs, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities, he has focused on uplifting his constituency through apprenticeships, local business support, and sustainable growth initiatives. Pakes combines his experience in student leadership, trade union work, and public service to advocate for education, housing, health, and economic progress, making him a key voice for both Peterborough and national policy. His leadership is rooted in community values, social responsibility, and progressive change.

Early Life and Background

Andrew Elliot Pakes was born on 24 April 1973 in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England. He grew up in a working-class family, which profoundly shaped his political and social views. His father worked in manufacturing, while his mother was employed as a cleaner. This early exposure to the challenges faced by working families inspired Pakes to dedicate his life to public service and social justice. He has a younger brother, who tragically passed away in 2016, an event that strengthened Pakes’s empathy and commitment to community welfare.

From an early age, Pakes displayed leadership qualities and a passion for learning. He attended Ousedale School, where his interest in politics and social issues began to grow. He went on to study Politics and Environmental Management at the University of Hull, equipping him with the knowledge and analytical skills needed for a career in public service and governance.

Student Leadership and Early Career

Andrew Pakes’s first major leadership role came in student politics. He was actively involved with Labour Students and later held positions in the National Union of Students (NUS), ultimately serving as NUS President from 1998 to 2000. During his tenure, he focused on student rights, inclusivity, and access to education. Notably, he was one of the early openly gay leaders in the NUS, advocating for equality and diversity in higher education.

After completing his studies, Pakes worked in policy and advocacy roles. He contributed to research and communications projects in public and private sectors, gaining expertise in transport, environmental policy, and public affairs. He also worked with the Association of University Teachers and in roles advising political figures, sharpening his ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive practical change.

Political Career: Local Government to Parliament

Before entering Parliament, Andrew Pakes served as a councillor for the London Borough of Southwark from 2006 to 2010. This experience gave him hands-on exposure to local governance, budgeting, and community engagement. He championed local services, housing, and youth initiatives, laying the groundwork for his later parliamentary priorities.

Pakes first ran for Parliament as a Labour & Co-operative candidate in 2010 and 2015 in Milton Keynes but was not elected. His persistence and dedication to public service paid off in 2024 when he won the Peterborough seat, becoming the city’s MP. His campaign focused on delivering jobs, investment, and services to the community while emphasizing transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

Andrew Pakes Age and Family

Andrew Pakes was born in 1973, making him 52 years old as of 2026. He comes from a close-knit working-class family and credits much of his values and resilience to his upbringing. While details about his immediate current family are limited, it is clear that his experiences with his parents and late brother deeply inform his political philosophy, particularly in areas such as education, housing, health, and social support.

Parliamentary Priorities and Achievements

As an MP, Andrew Pakes has been focused on concrete improvements for his constituents. His priorities include:

Job Creation and Economic Development

Pakes emphasizes bringing jobs and investment to Peterborough. He advocates for policies that support small businesses, attract new industries, and create sustainable employment opportunities. He has engaged with local employers to ensure apprenticeships and vocational training align with market needs.

Apprenticeships and Skills Training

Pakes is committed to expanding apprenticeships and vocational programs. He works with schools, colleges, and employers to provide pathways for young people and career changers, ensuring they have the skills needed for high-quality employment.

Local Investment and Infrastructure

He has promoted projects that improve local infrastructure, including housing, transportation, and renewable energy initiatives. His vision includes making Peterborough a hub for innovation and sustainable growth, attracting both public and private investment.

Public Services: Health and Education

Pakes has campaigned for better NHS services, including dental care and mental health support. He also prioritizes education funding, supporting initiatives that prepare students for both higher education and the workforce.

Community and Social Programs

He supports initiatives for families, youth programs, and housing schemes, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive support. His work often emphasizes co-operative solutions, reflecting his party affiliation.

Trade Union and Professional Experience

Beyond politics, Andrew Pakes has served as Deputy General Secretary and Research Director at Prospect Union, representing professional and technical workers. His experience in the trade union sector has honed his skills in negotiation, research, and advocacy, particularly in areas related to employment conditions, digital transformation, and workers’ rights.

He has also been involved with national panels on the future of work and AI, reflecting a forward-looking approach to labor markets and technology policy. This expertise informs his approach to parliamentary initiatives on skills, training, and employment.

Environmental and Sustainability Advocacy

Andrew Pakes is deeply committed to environmental issues. He supports sustainable development projects, renewable energy initiatives, and green job creation. Pakes recognizes the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, particularly in urban planning and local industry development.

Public Profile and Media Presence

Andrew Pakes maintains a visible presence in local and national media, communicating his priorities and initiatives to constituents. He is active in community events, highlighting local business achievements, supporting apprenticeships, and advocating for improved services. This engagement reinforces his reputation as an accessible and accountable public representative.

Andrew Pakes Wikipedia Profile

Andrew Pakes is featured on Wikipedia as a British Labour & Co-operative politician, MP for Peterborough, former NUS President, and trade union leader. The profile highlights his education, career trajectory, election history, and public service contributions. Wikipedia recognizes him as a prominent figure in both local and national politics.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Andrew Pakes’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. As a public servant, his income is primarily derived from his parliamentary salary, prior professional roles, and standard allowances tied to his MP responsibilities. Unlike business figures or celebrities, his financial profile remains private, reflecting his focus on service rather than personal wealth accumulation.

Personal Values and Leadership Style

Andrew Pakes is widely respected for his integrity, approachability, and pragmatic problem-solving. His leadership style combines community engagement with evidence-based policymaking. He emphasizes co-operative principles, ensuring collaboration across government, businesses, and civil society to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Andrew Pakes has been recognized for his leadership in student activism, trade union advocacy, and parliamentary initiatives. His work in promoting equality, apprenticeships, and environmental policies has earned him respect among colleagues, constituents, and policy experts alike.

Vision for the Future of Peterborough

Looking ahead, Andrew Pakes’s vision for Peterborough includes:

• Expanding employment opportunities and skill development programs

• Attracting investment and modern industries to the city

• Strengthening public services, particularly health and education

• Promoting sustainable development and green initiatives

• Enhancing social inclusion and support for families and vulnerable communities

His long-term goal is to create a city that combines economic growth, social equity, and environmental responsibility, ensuring prosperity for all residents.

Community Engagement and Initiatives

Andrew Pakes regularly meets with constituents, local business leaders, and community organizations to address concerns and implement solutions. From apprenticeships to housing schemes, he emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, reflecting his commitment to co-operative principles in both policy and practice.

Conclusion

Andrew Pakes is a dedicated, experienced, and forward-thinking politician committed to improving lives in Peterborough. With a focus on jobs, investment, apprenticeships, and public service, his leadership combines grassroots experience with national impact. At 52 years old, his life story — from working-class roots to student leadership and parliamentary service — reflects resilience, empathy, and a consistent drive to make positive change. Through his ongoing work, Pakes continues to shape Peterborough’s present and future, embodying the values of equity, opportunity, and progressive governance.