Alison is a member of the Fawcett Society, the South London Co-operative Party and Labour Women's Network.

Prior to being elected for Plymouth Devonport in 2005, she was, for 12 years, Parliamentary Advisor to the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP (Minister for Local Government 1992-2005), focusing on housing, planning, local government and the regions as well as issues relating to London, government and the fire service.
Alison served for five years as a Parliamentary Assistant to Lord Hattersley when he was Shadow Home Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

She was an Assistant Government Whip (2007-2008) and chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government.

In 2008 she was PPS to the Secretary of State for Transport and Vice Chair of the South West Group of Labour MPs and served on the Apprenticeship and Skills Bill and the Finance Bill.
Alison is currently Chair of the South West Select Committee, Chair of the South West Group of Labour MPs and serving on the DCLG Committee.

Alison believes that Plymouth has a great future but only if we maintain the progress made since 1997. The investment in education, health and the long term commitment to the Dock Yard gives Plymouth a firm foundation.
It is vital we build on expansion of the University and the growth of The Science Parks to develop new quality jobs for the future. Plymouth must make full use of it maritime heritage to expand its potential as a visitor attraction