Baroness Julie Elliot of Whitburn Bay is a British politician and life peer. Julie served as the Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central, where our University of Sunderland campus is situated, from 2010 to 2024, before being appointed to the House of Lords in 2025.
Her parliamentary work included efforts on organ donation reform, equal pay at the BBC, and support for building societies. She also chaired and participated in numerous All-Party Parliamentary Groups, covering topics ranging from Palestine and digital skills to children’s media and the Northern Powerhouse.
In 2025, Julie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of Sunderland for her contributions to public service and the region. In 2025, she was installed as a Pro-Chancellor of the University.