Marsha de Cordova


Marsha Chantal de Cordova is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Battersea since 2017. A member of the Labour Party, she held the seat at the 2019 general election. She has been Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities since 6 April 2020.

Early life and education

De Cordova was born on 23 January 1976 in Bristol, England. She has five siblings, one of whom is professional footballer Bobby Decordova-Reid. She was born with nystagmus and is registered blind. De Cordova attended Hanham High School.
She studied Law and European Policy Studies at the London South Bank University. After graduating she worked at a number of charities including Action for Blind People before founding the charity South East London Vision in 2014.
Prior to becoming an MP, she was the engagement and advocacy director at the charity, Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Political career

De Cordova was elected as a Labour Party councillor for the Larkhall ward on Lambeth Council in 2014.
She was elected as MP for Battersea in the 2017 general election. It was previously held by Conservative politician Jane Ellison since 2010.
De Cordova was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Disabled People on 9 October 2017, replacing Marie Rimmer. She was promoted to Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities by new Labour leader, Keir Starmer, replacing Dawn Butler.
As an MP, she has been involved in campaigning to make the Parliamentary Estate more accessible for disabled people.