Sam Tarry

Tarry was elected to represent Ilford South at the 2019 general election with a majority of 24,101 votes.[29] It has been a safe seat for the Labour Party since 1997.

Tarry was appointed to the Transport Select Committee, on which he has been credited as being a "passionate advocate for public ownership".[30] In this role, he called for introduction of a death in service payment scheme for London transport workers.[31] He also joined the Socialist Campaign Group of left-wing Labour MPs.[32]

Tarry said in 2019 that "There are people associated with the Labour Party who have sought to exploit the issue [of antisemitism] just because they don't agree with Jeremy Corbyn over an issue of foreign policy." The Jewish Labour Movement criticised this remark as underplaying the issue of antisemitism in the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn. In response Tarry said that he was "clearly referring" to Mike Gapes who held the seat prior to himself. He further stated, "As someone who has worked with many interfaith groups and organisations, including Searchlight and Hope not Hate, specifically to fight antisemitism and racism, this is something I care deeply about and would never seek to downplay."[33][34]

During the 2020 Labour leadership election campaign Tarry said that Keir Starmer would have to show how he would appeal to northern seats that had abandoned Labour, given that he was a "North London lawyer" and had opposed Brexit.[35] Tarry subsequently supported Rebecca Long-Bailey in the leadership contest.[36]

From April 2020 until January 2021 was a Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ed Miliband in the Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy team, and as part of the parliamentary team of Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, when he was appointed to the role of Shadow Minister for Buses and Local Transport.[37][38][39]

The summer of 2022 saw significant amounts of industrial unrest.[40][41] Starmer instructed members of his shadow cabinet to refrain from joining picket lines.[42] However, some Labour MPs did appear on picket lines including frontbenchers Kate Osborne, Paula Barker, Peter Kyle and Navendu Mishra.[43][44] Tarry was dismissed from his position as Shadow Minister for Buses and Local Transport on 27 July after appearing on a rail strike picket at Euston railway station. He said in a TV interview that workers should receive a pay rise in line with inflation though Labour policy was that pay increases should be based on negotiation. A spokesperson for the party said that "Sam Tarry was sacked because he booked himself onto media programmes without permission and then made up policy on the hoof."[45][46] However, his sacking was criticised by trade union leaders and Tarry wrote in a newspaper opinion piece that "failing to join the striking rail workers on a picket line would have been an abject dereliction of duty for me as a Labour MP."[47][48]

Tarry has campaigned to seek justice for the family of Zara Aleena, who was tragically murdered in July 2022 in Ilford. [49]Tarry has been relentless in advocating for the Aleena family, collaborating with Metropolitan Police to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation. His commitment to justice has garnered widespread recognition and admiration. [50] Furthermore, Tarry has emerged as a strong voice in addressing violence against women and girls, utilising Zara's murder as an opportunity to shed light on the pervasive issue. He has actively championed legislation and policy initiatives to protect and empower women, including advocating for enhanced legal measures for survivors of domestic violence and securing increased funding for support services.

Tarry has been a vocal advocate for the reinstatement of mandatory drug testing at concerts, recognising the urgent need to address the concerning issue of drug-related harm in festival settings.[51] Tarry's campaign gained momentum with the support of renowned DJ Fatboy Slim, who backed the appeal to allow onsite festival drug testing. Drawing on evidence and expert opinions, Tarry highlights the potential benefits of drug testing, including harm reduction, education, and early intervention. His efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and encouraging a public dialogue about drug safety at events.[52] Tarry's commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of festival-goers has earned him recognition as a proactive leader in addressing drug-related issues in the music industry.

In July 2022 a trigger ballot was held in Ilford South to determine whether Tarry should face reselection; Tarry lost the vote 57.5% to 42.5%.[53] On 10 October 2022 a reselection vote was held, which Tarry lost to local council leader Jas Athwal by 361 votes to 499.[54]