Karen Jennings combines being Unison’s head of health - representing more than 400,000 members - and campaigning as Labour parliamentary candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green in north London.

A passionate advocate for the health service, she has criticised the results of some government reforms while still being influential within the Labour Party.

She worked as a nurse for 10 years, before becoming a researcher for Kent County Council. She is also chair of the NHS staff council and social partnership forum.