MP for Lewes
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
“Highly loyal backbencher who backs defence and climate action while voting against workers' protections and trade union powers.”
James MacCleary is the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, elected in 2024. He serves as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Defence and has previously sat on the Commons Finance Committee and been the party’s Spokesperson for Europe.
MacCleary has 100% party loyalty with zero rebel votes, but a low parliamentary attendance of 12%. He sits centre-right on the spectrum (68/100). His voting record shows opposition to workers' protections and to trade union powers, while generally supporting climate change measures, bus regulation, and transgender rights; his votes on Universal Credit and renters protections are mixed, and he has been cautious on VAT changes and mental health services.
Declares ongoing paid employment and other earnings, and visits outside the UK. He also reports gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Liberal Democrat average: 19%
The percentage of parliamentary votes (divisions) this MP participated in. MPs may miss votes for legitimate reasons including ministerial duties, constituency work, or illness.
How often this MP votes with their party
Liberal Democrat average: 100%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
3 positions
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Since Oct 2025
Finance Committee (Commons)
Oct 2024 - Jan 2026
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Europe)
Sept 2024 - Oct 2025
Figures include only interests with declared monetary values from the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Some categories (e.g. hospitality, overseas visits) may not have monetary values recorded, so the total may not reflect all declared interests.
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 4
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 2
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 1
NOVictims and Courts Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 2
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
Draft Higher Education (Fee Limits and Fee Limit Condition) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
NODraft Employment Rights Act 2025 (Investigatory Powers) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026
AYECourts and Tribunals Bill: Second Reading
NOCourts and Tribunals Bill
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
AYECourts and Tribunals Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 106
NOChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
The percentage of votes where this MP voted the same way as the majority of their party. High loyalty is typical; most MPs vote with their party on most issues.
Rebel votes
Times this MP voted differently from the majority of their party. This can reflect independent judgement, but context matters — some rebel votes are on procedural matters, others on major policy.
