22 Facts About Alan Whitehead

Alan Whitehead served as Shadow Minister for Energy Security, previously Green New Deal and Energy, from 2015 to 2024.

Alan Whitehead served as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions from 2001 to 2002.

Alan Whitehead was born on 15 September 1950 in Isleworth, London, and attended Isleworth Grammar School.

Alan Whitehead studied Politics and Philosophy at the University of Southampton, where he became President of University of Southampton Students' Union and received a PhD in Political Science.

Alan Whitehead stood in Southampton Test in three successive elections, 1983,1987, and 1992.

From June 2001 to May 2002, Alan Whitehead was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Alan Whitehead, who was the goalkeeper for the UKPFC, fully declared the sponsorship in his register of members interests.

Alan Whitehead pointed out the trip was part of a long-standing fundraising campaign between the UKPFC and McDonald's that raised over 20,000 euros for local charities.

In September 2006, Alan Whitehead voted against the Iraq War on the basis of the mission not receiving endorsement from the UN.

Also in September 2006, Alan Whitehead criticised the results of the Energy Review, and was the co-author of EDM 2204 which states 'the case for nuclear has not yet been made' and urges the government to 'recognise the enormous potential for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by energy efficiency and conservation, greater use of combined heat and power, and rapid investment in the full range of renewable technologies, including microgeneration'.

Alan Whitehead rebelled in October 2009 against a government 3-line whip on the renewal of the UK Trident programme.

Alan Whitehead's rebellion was put down to the fact that he was a historical supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, having paid a subscription to Southampton CND in 1982.

Alan Whitehead is an outspoken supporter of action on anthropogenic climate change, and in September 2013 called debate by members of parliament who reject the scientific view a "flat earth love-in".

Alan Whitehead supported Owen Smith in the 2016 Labour Party leadership election.

From October 2016 to April 2020, Alan Whitehead was Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change.

Alan Whitehead was one of the 52 Labour MPs who defied Jeremy Corbyn and in February 2017 voted against triggering Article 50.

Alan Whitehead claimed that triggering Article 50 without clarity on what would be done was not in the UK's best interest, and he was not prepared to stand by and allow the country to go down what he regarded as a potentially very dangerous path.

In March 2020, Alan Whitehead was appointed Shadow Minister for Energy and the Green New Deal.

In January 2022 Alan Whitehead announced that he would be standing down at the next general election.

Alan Whitehead married Sophie Wronska in 1979, and they have a son and daughter.

Alan Whitehead is a member of the Saints Trust and plays in the UK parliamentary football team.

Alan Whitehead is a visiting professor in the Faculty of Media, Arts and Society at Southampton Solent University.