Joshua Macalister

Joshua MacAlisteris a British Labour politician and former teacher who has been Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington since 2024.

He has served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families since 2025.

Career

Joshua MacAlister began his professional life in education, working as a teacher before moving into public service and policy-focused roles. His background in education strongly shaped his political interests, particularly around children’s welfare, families, and social mobility.

In the 2024 general election, MacAlister was elected as the Labour MP for the newly represented constituency of Whitehaven and Workington, marking his entry into the House of Commons. Since his election, he has been regarded as part of Labour’s newer generation of MPs with direct frontline experience in public services.

In 2025, he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, a junior ministerial role within government. In this position, he has responsibility for policy areas affecting children’s services, family support, and safeguarding, drawing on his professional experience in education to inform his approach.

MacAlister’s career reflects a focus on social policy, education, and improving outcomes for children and families, aligning with Labour’s broader agenda on public service reform and social justice.