Insight into becoming an MP from Christine Jardine - why one barrier shouldn’t be yourself
I recently had the pleasure of attending an interesting event in Parliament jointly hosted by Women in Public Affairs and Lib Dems in Comms - hearing from Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine. Jardine talked about her journey to her current role and the changes she has seen over time, particularly women’s involvement in politics.
She talked about her first encounter with an MP she liked, and for the first time it all “making sense” when they spoke and finding out they were a Liberal Democrat. It wasn’t long before she joined the Liberal Democrat party and years later was encouraged to represent the party and stand as a candidate. It was in 2017 when she was finally elected. She answered questions from the audience about the Lib Dems strategy and focus for the next election, her predictions and lessons which should be learnt from 1992 - namely Labour shouldn’t take a win for granted!
Jardine shared how she once visited Downing Street (I think it was Downing Street!) and saw framed photos of the Cabinet after the Second World War. They started off as all male affairs but she felt pride seeing more and more women fulfill higher roles in politics as the years went by, in the 1970s with Shirley Williams, and while something of a blip with Margaret Thatcher’s near all male Cabinet in 1980s, the New Labour Cabinet in 1990s was approaching a truly gender balanced membership, and things thankfully haven’t slid back since - luckily with the two more female Prime Ministers not taking the lead from the first in this respect.
Summing up, Jardine wanted to make a point that people always focus on encouraging more women to take part in politics but what we should be doing instead is removing the obstacles faced by women who want to join politics. Abuse and family commitments being two.
But one more reason, and sharing her experience and barriers she faced when deciding to stand as a candidate, she said her biggest obstacle was “myself”. As a woman myself I empathize with this answer, as an ethnic minority I empathize even more. It is difficult to imagine taking any position not often taken by someone who looks and thinks like you. “Will I be able to do it?” “Am I capable?” This is a psychological obstacle but as Jardine also stated one that is impacted by society. Remember those Cabinet photos and the impression they must have given to generations of women.
It is also difficult to make a decision that will have consequences for not only yourself but your family. Jardine shared conversations she had with her husband preparing for a big change and how her daughter has now grown up immersed in politics. Not only that, she said it also takes “a lot of time and money”. More things in short supply for women from working class families.
It was insightful to hear Christine Jardine’s experience and interesting to be in a room filled with women (and some men there listening I’m pleased to report) inquisitive about the practicalities of being an MP and party politics. An inspiring and eye opening session indeed, to hear the passion and challenges it takes to be an MP. It’s got me thinking!
Ulfa Ali