Meet the Team
Christians on the Left is a very effective movement with a large and growing membership as well a fantastic network of supporters and partner organisations. But it's run by a fairly small team of people. Here, you can find out a bit more about the people behind the day-to-day running of the movement. To get in touch with any of the team, email info@christiansontheleft.org.uk
Leadership
Chair
Anna Dixon MP
Anna Dixon has been the Labour Member of Parliament for the Shipley constituency since the 2024 general election.
Prior to her election to Parliament, Anna worked as Director of Policy at the King's Fund, an independent think tank involved with work relating to the health system in England, before becoming Director of Quality and Strategy and Chief Analyst at the Department of Health in 2013. In 2015, she set up and led a national charity named the Centre for Ageing Better, securing changes to policy on housing, employment support, and pensions. In 2021, Anna’s work was recognised with the award of an MBE.
In 2022, Anna was chosen by her local Labour Party to be the parliamentary candidate for the Shipley constituency. She expressed her concerns about declining living standards, underfunded public services, and increasing health inequalities as her motivation for entering politics.
Since her election to the House of Commons, Anna has served on the Public Accounts Committee and has influenced changes in several policy areas, including carer's allowance, social care reform, and the NHS.
Anna grew up in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, and attended a local Methodist and United Reform Church. Throughout her life, she has also served as a churchwarden at two local parish churches.
Anna says: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking up the role of Chair of Christians on the Left. I am grateful to Jonathan Reynolds for the leadership he has given over the past 9 years.
“It is important we remain true to the traditions of Christian socialism and our values of social justice, loving our neighbour and tackling poverty. It is also important to change with the times. I look forward to meeting members and working with the Executive officers and Director to shape a new strategy for Christians on the Left. With Labour in government for the first time in over 14 years, we have an opportunity to speak truth to power and have a direct influence. We will continue to encourage people of faith to stand, to support candidates and those in elected office with prayer and practical support. As an ecumenical organisation and an officially affiliated socialist society, we have an opportunity to reach out and draw more Christians into the Labour movement.”
Director
Hannah Rich
Hannah has been the director of Christians on the Left since September 2022, having previously served as vice chair of our executive committee since 2018. She likes talking about religion and politics, especially together, and is passionate about convincing people that this doesn't have to make you unpopular at parties.
Hannah works for CotL part time and spends the other half of the week as a researcher for a Christian think tank, exploring social action, economic injustice and the role of faith groups in society. She has previously worked with faith-based charities in France and Spain and as a care worker for young people with learning disabilities. She has a masters' degree in Inequalities and Social Science from LSE.
Away from work, Hannah loves watching football, reading novels and enjoying her flatmate's cooking.
Hannah is always keen to chat to members, over Zoom or for a coffee, so feel free to email her at hannah@christiansontheleft.org.uk
Officers of the Executive Committee
Our Officers meet on a monthly basis with the Chair and Director to keep a regular oversight of the organisation, reviewing its vision, resources and membership. They also hear from our Director and set priorities for the coming months.
OUR CURRENT OFFICERS ARE:
Anna Dixon (Chair)
Hannah Rich (Director)
Andy Fitchet (Vice chair)
Heather Staff (Vice chair)
Jonah Taylor (Secretary)
Jacob Dimitriou (Treasurer)
Stephen Beer (Political communications officer)
Ordinary Members
Ordinary Members bring their experience and skills to the broader executive committee. They meet with the full executive twice a year as well as being involved in events and conversations throughout the year.
OUR CURRENT ORDINARY MEMBERS ARE:
Rachel Burgin
Seyi Ogboola
Michael O’Connor
Amen Tesfay
Mary White
Regional Representatives
Hailing from across the UK, our Reps meet with the rest of the full Executive twice each year to cast the vision for Christians on the Left. Whilst back home, they nurture relationships between members, churches, communities and local government, organising events where possible and helping members to connect with each other. Reps volunteer their time freely.
OUR CURRENT REGIONAL REPS ARE:
Callum Roper (East Midlands)
Elizabeth Hughes (East of England)
Josh Nicholson (London)
Mark van Eker (North West)
Nathanael Smith (Scotland)
Omolola Oyewusi (South East)
Martin Holst (South West)
Fred Grindrod (West Midlands)
Andy Thomson (Yorkshire & the Humber)
If you would like to get in touch with your regional rep, contact info@christiansontheleft.org.uk and we’ll connect you.