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
Jonathan Reynolds MP
Jonathan Reynolds has been the Labour and Coop Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde in Greater Manchester since the 2010 general election. He is Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions in Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet.
Following his election in 2010 he became an opposition whip before serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the then leader of the opposition, Ed Miliband, until his appointment as Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister in October 2013. He was re-elected at the 2015 general election with an increased majority, and served as Shadow Rail Minister from September 2015 until January 2016, before joining the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee. Under Jeremy Corbyn he served as part of John McDonnell’s Shadow Treasury Team as Shadow City Minister. In 2020 Jonathan nominated Keir Starmer for party leader and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in April 2020
Prior to his election to Parliament Jonathan was a Councillor on Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, and also trained as a solicitor in the Manchester office of Addleshaw Goddard LLP.
He is married with four children, and in his spare time enjoys gardening and watching Sunderland AFC. He worships at St Michael & All Angels church in Mottram when home and at Oasis Church Waterloo when in London.
Jonathan says: 'I want Christians on the Left to be active all over the UK, welcoming new members and building relationships with the many churches doing outstanding work in their local communities. If you are a Christian concerned about poverty, homelessness, inequality and more, please come and join in our work'.
Jonathan is not paid for his work at Christians on the Left.
Update: following Labour’s election victory in July, Jonathan resigned as our Chair as he became a Secretary of State.
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 it’s vision, resources and membership. They also hear from our Director and OCM (Office/Comms Manager) and set priorities for the coming months.
Heather Staff
Vice-Chair
Jacob Quagliozzi
Secretary
Vacant Role
Vice-Chair
Stephen Beer
Political Communications Officer
All Officers of the Executive volunteer their time freely
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.
Seyi Agboola
Rachel Burgin
All Ordinary Members volunteer their time freely
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.
Kieran Turner
Scotland
Fred Grindrod
West Midlands
Omolola Oyewusi
South East
Andy Thomson
Brian Moss
Northern Ireland
Is this role for you?
Wales
Martin Holst
South West
Elizabeth Hughes
East of England
Calum Roper
East Midlands
Office Team
The office is maintained by a staff of… one! When we said we’re a small team, we meant it! However, we are always grateful for the help offered by our committed volunteers, most of whom are not listed here, but they know who they are and life would not be as great without them!
Political Leadership Programme
(formerly the Political Mentoring Programme)
Our facilitators volunteer their time freely. To be first to know about CotL PLP events and the next round of the leadership programme starting in 2021, members should ensure their contact (email) details are up to date. If you’re not a member yet, click here. To find out more about getting involved in the leadership programme, see the dedicated page here.