Alex Ballinger
Alexander Robert Ballinger is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for Halesowen since 2024. He gained the seat from James Morris, a Conservative.
Career
Ballinger served with the Royal Marines from 2005 to 2013, and previously worked in the Middle East for the Department for International Development as an aid worker. He then worked in Pakistan for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.From 2023 to 2024, Ballinger ran a seven-volunteer mental health charity for people experiencing anxiety or depression, offering them up to four emotional support sessions, based in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Parliamentary career
Ballinger was elected on 4 July 2024 with 38.9% of the vote.In July 2024 Ballinger voted against an amendment to the King's Speech that would have removed the former Conservative Government's policy of a two-child benefit cap. It was widely reported that Labour MPs who did not vote with the government would have the whip removed and be forced to sit as independents.
Ballinger voted to means test the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners
Ballinger has campaigned in favour of reforms to gambling legislation. This has included hosting a Westminster Hall debate on Gambling Harms