MP for Lewes
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
“A loyal Liberal Democrat MP from Lewes who rarely rebels and serves as Defence spokesperson, but has a notably low voting attendance.”
James MacCleary is the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, elected on 4 July 2024. He serves as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Defence (in opposition since October 2025) and has previously sat on the Commons Finance Committee and served as Lib Dem Spokesperson for Europe.
MacCleary has 100% party loyalty and an attendance of 11% (below the party average). He sits on the centre-right of the spectrum (69/100). His voting record shows a mix of positions: he has opposed strengthening trade union powers and workers’ rights protections, while generally supporting climate change measures, mental health services, transgender rights, bus services regulation and prison sentencing. His votes on Universal Credit and VAT are mixed, and he has a mixed record on renter protections.
Declared financial interests include current and ongoing paid employment, visits outside the UK, and gifts or 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.
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
AYEUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
AYEUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill [HL]
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
AYEUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
AYEIndustry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
NODraft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026
AYEDraft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
AYEUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
AYEUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill [HL]
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
AYEMedical Training (Prioritisation) Bill
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
NOMedical Training (Prioritisation) Bill
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Third Reading
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Committee: Amendment 5
AYENational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
NODiego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory 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.
