Liveryman Stephen McPartland steps down from All-Party Parliamentary Group

Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, has stepped down as chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group after eight years, with Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash, succeeding him.

Stephen has held the position since 2010. He leaves the role to take up the chairmanship of the Regulatory Reform Select Committee.

Representing a constituency that has close links to the furniture industry, Maggie is well placed to build upon the superb work Stephen has achieved in promoting the industry within government.

Maggie was officially introduced to the trade at the Confederation Lunch, which was held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 17 April.

The event was sponsored by Stephen and organised in partnership by The Furniture Makers’ Company and the British Furniture Confederation.

Stephen will continue to be an active supporter of the furniture industry as a liveryman of the Furniture Makers.

Master Dr Tony Smart MBE said: “The Furniture Makers’ Company would like to thank Stephen for everything that he has done for the industry over the past eight years and the fantastic job he has done as head of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group. We wish him luck for the future and offer a warm welcome to Maggie.”

On her second official day as chairman, Maggie raised the furniture industry in the chamber, calling on the Government to consider how to support the industry and its skill base through the upcoming restoration of the Houses of Parliament.

This is available to view on Parliament TV.