Key interests and achievements
“In the Senedd my main interests are the wellbeing of future
generations in light of the climate emergency, the public health emergency
exacerbated by our unhealthy diets, and the air pollution poisoning our lungs.
It is my ambition to ensure that Government and all public services deliver on
sustainable food, housing, transport and energy systems as clearly set out in
the Well-Being of Future Generations Act (2015).”
Personal history
Jenny Rathbone was born in Liverpool and has two children
and two grandchildren. She lives at the heart of the Cardiff Central
constituency, most of which is accessible by bike. Jenny believes that good
things can happen when communities work together and will work with anyone who
wants to address the inequalities that are all too evident in every community.
Professional background
Jenny worked for 20 years in current affairs television, as
a researcher and reporter for Granada’s World in Action; producer of the BBC’s
Money Programme, and on R4’s Woman’s Hour. From 2002 to 2007, Jenny was
programme manager of an award-winning Sure Start programme in north London and
set up two children’s centres, including a national pathfinder ante natal
service offering parenting classes and breastfeeding support working alongside
midwife-led clinics. Jenny has considerable experience of working with doctors,
nurses and allied health professionals as chair of Independent Review Panels for
the NHS in London (1996 2003); improving primary care as the lay representative
on the Professional Executive Committee of Islington Primary Care Trust
(2002-2006), chairing the Camden & Islington Health Action Zone partnership
as lead councillor for health on Islington Council (1998-2002)., and as a
member of the Camden & Islington Maternity Liaison Committee for nearly 20
years. Jenny was a lay inspector for Estyn 2009-2011.
Political history
Jenny Rathbone was elected to the National Assembly in May
2011 after defeating the Liberal Democrats in the Cardiff Central seat. In May
2016, she increased her majority by over 2,000 per cent. Jenny says "it’s
vital that every child gets a fair start in life. That is why I have been a
school governor for the over 20 years. Decent, warm housing is everyone’s
right. I’ve always worked with tenants’ associations and community
organisations to tackle the housing problems, drugs and crime which impact on
all our lives. I’m a passionate supporter of the NHS created by Aneurin Bevan as Health and
Housing Minister after the second world war. I am a member of Unite and a
strong supporter of the social partnership approach to involving trade unions
in the management of the workplace. I am a proud Patron of Hayaat Woman's Trust
and a trustee of Good Food Llanedeyrn.”
Jenny sits on the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs
Committee and the Public Accounts Committee and has previously served on the
Children and Young People’s Committee and the Equality, Local Government and
Communities Committee. Jenny chairs three Cross Party Groups on Food; Gypsies
and Travellers; and Women’s Health.
