MP for Rutherglen
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
“A party loyalist who rarely rebels and has recently risen to a ministerial role shaping energy policy.”
Michael Shanks is the Labour Co-operative MP for Rutherglen, elected in 2023. He is currently Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, having previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero; his parliamentary work includes roles on energy and infrastructure legislation, and membership of the Scottish Affairs Committee, with involvement in the Great British Energy Bill and Planning and Infrastructure Bill committees.
He votes with his party on all votes (100% party loyalty, above the party average). His attendance is notably low (18% vs 33% party average) and he has no rebel votes. His voting record shows a mix: supportive of workers’ rights and trade union powers, supportive of VAT changes and bus services regulation; but generally against stricter immigration controls, the asylum system and the Rwanda deportation scheme; with a mixed approach on Universal Credit and transgender rights, and strong support for mental health services.
Declared financial interests include four entries, all categorised as miscellaneous.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Labour (Co-op) average: 33%
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
Labour (Co-op) average: 99%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
6 positions
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Since Sept 2025
Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Apr 2025 - May 2025
Great British Energy Bill
Sept 2024 - Oct 2024
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Jul 2024 - Sept 2025
Scottish Affairs Committee
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Shadow Minister (Scotland)
Nov 2023 - May 2024
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
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 4
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 2
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 1
AYEVictims and Courts Bill
Opposition Day Motion: Defence
NOOpposition Day Motion: Oil and Gas
NOCourts and Tribunals Bill: Second Reading
AYECourts and Tribunals Bill
Courts and Tribunals Bill: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
NOCourts and Tribunals Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 106
AYEChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 102
AYEChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 44
AYEChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 41
AYEChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 37
AYEChildren’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.
