Increasing representation in Politics

Mums in Politics: Why Representation Matters

Launching the Mums in Politics Pamphlet as Vice Chair of the Fabian Women's network at Labour Conference was a proud moment—and the culmination of a robust and important piece of work.

The pamphlet brought together interviews with MPs and political leaders to explore some of the inequalities that continue to shape political life, and, crucially, to suggest practical ways forward.

We have a huge problem in both local and national politics when it comes to representation. Too many parents—and especially mothers—are still being discouraged or prevented from entering public life.

And this affects all of us.

When we allow systems and structures to remain in place that have kept so many people out for so long, we lose an enormous wealth of talent, experience and resource. Our politics is poorer as a result.

Writing the pamphlet, and taking part in the panel that followed at Conference, felt like an important part of the work I have been involved in over many years. That includes Stella Creasy MP’s fantastic MotheRed Campaign, which provides bursaries for mums wanting to stand for elected office, and the Clean Up Politics campaign, which looked at how we can build a more representative pool of candidates.

These campaigns matter because diversity and representation should never be an optional extra.

They are essential to a healthy, functioning democracy.

We need a political landscape that reflects the people it represents—and that means removing the barriers that stop talented, committed people from stepping forward.

I will always campaign for that change, because better representation doesn’t just benefit those who get a seat at the table.

It makes politics—and ultimately our democracy—better for all of us.