MP for Lewes
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
James MacCleary is a Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, first elected in 2024. He serves as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Defence, and has previously held roles as the party’s spokesperson on Europe and as a member of the Commons Finance Committee.
He shows 100% party loyalty but has a notably low voting attendance of 11%. His voting record sits on the centre-right (69/100). He generally opposes expanding trade union powers and workers’ rights protections and tends to vote against VAT changes, while voting in favour of prison sentencing, regulation of bus services, transgender rights, climate change measures and mental health services, with mixed votes on Universal Credit and renters protections.
He has eight declared financial interests, including employment and ongoing paid employment, visits outside the UK, and gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources.
Generated 21 February 2026
3 positions
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Since Oct 2025
Finance Committee (Commons)
Oct 2024 - Jan 2026
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Europe)
Sept 2024 - Oct 2025
Based on parliamentary votes
has voted a mixture of ways on universal credit
has almost always voted against trade union powers
has almost always voted against workers rights protections
has generally voted against vat changes
has almost always voted against prison sentencing
has voted a mixture of ways on bus services regulation
has voted a mixture of ways on renter protections
has generally voted for transgender rights
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2026-27
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading