Maureen Burke was elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Glasgow North East at the 2024 General Election.
 
Maureen was born, brought up and lives in the North East of Glasgow, an area she is honoured to represent in the UK Parliament. She is deeply rooted in her community and driven by a desire to improve the lives of working people.
 
Early Life and Working Career
 
Maureen began her working life in 1974 at Gelfer’s tie manufacturing factory in Bridgeton.
 
At the age of 39, she made a significant career change by studying IT at John Wheatley College. Maureen reflects on this decision as a turning point in her life, returning to education and equipping herself with the skills to take on new employment.
 
After completing her studies, she worked for a Member of the Scottish Parliament, gaining direct experience in political casework, public service and parliamentary processes.
 
Local Government Career
 
Maureen was elected as a Glasgow City Councillor for the North East ward in 2012. She served until her resignation in September 2024 following her election to Parliament. 
 
During her time on the council, she held senior responsibilities, including serving as Chair of the Operational Performance and Delivery Scrutiny Committee.
 
A personal highlight of her time as a local councillor was being involved with efforts to restore Provan Hall.
 
Her long period in local government gave her a detailed understanding of issues such as housing, public safety, community facilities and local service delivery. These experiences continue to shape her priorities as an MP.
 
Parliamentary Career
 
Since being elected, Maureen has used her time in Parliament to raise issues important to her constituents – the cost of living, access to public services, and employment support. Maureen has also dedicated attention to improving life expectancy after her constituency was ranked the lowest in the UK.
 
Maureen served as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society. 
 
In 2025, Maureen successfully bid for part of her constituency to be awarded Pride in Place funding. Springburn/Sighthill was chosen by the UK Government to receive £20 million of long-term investment for community regeneration and renewal. She sits on the Neighbourhood Board which has been appointed to steward the programme locally.
 
Constituency Focus
 
Maureen represents a diverse and historically working-class constituency that includes Springburn, Balornock, Barmulloch, Royston, Blackhill, Dennistoun, Haghill, Easterhouse and many other neighbourhoods across Glasgow’s North East.
 
Her priorities reflect the needs of these communities:
 

• tackling poverty and inequality

• improving public services

• developing opportunities for young people

• strengthening community organisations

 
She works closely with MSPs, councillors, charities and grassroots groups to ensure residents receive coordinated support.