Chris McDonald (politician)

Chris McDonald (born 1977 (age 46) ) is a British Labour Party politician, chemical engineer and former business executive, who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Stockton North since 2024. Between 2014 and 2024, McDonald was the CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, after leading its divestment from Tata Steel.

Early life
Chris McDonald was born in Hartlepool, and grew up in Blackhall.

Industrial career
McDonald first worked at British Steel, before they sponsored him to read Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Upon graduating, he worked in various roles in the steel industry, but focused on research.

In 2008, McDonald became a laboratory manager within the research division of Tata Steel.

In 2014, McDonald led the divestment of Tata Steel UK's research and development centre in Grangetown, which would form the independent Materials Processing Institute, becoming it's CEO. In 2016, he launched the Institute's commercial steel-making operation from its facility on Teesside.

In 2018, McDonald appeared on BBC Radio 4 Today, to discuss the future of the British steel industry. As CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, McDonald helped secure a £3 million investment from the Tees Valley Growth Deal to build the Institute's SME Technology Centre. He has also oversaw the development of a doctoral academy at the Institute, "The Millman Scholarships".

He is a fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the Royal Geographical Society, and Royal Academy of Engineering.

Politics
In March 2023, McDonald was selected as Parliamentary candidate for Labour in the 2024 election for the constituency of Stockton North, to replace Alex Cunningham, who will stand down. On being selected, he said his two main priorities were "creating opportunities for young people" and transitioning industry, particularly in Billingham, "to [a] green industry" At the election he came first with a majority of 7,939 over second place Reform.

Personal life
McDonald plays the cornet in a brass band.