To go against my mums wishes

[UserOP]

I decided today that I would like to run as an MP in the next election (the party I'm considering has open applications for my area)

When I told DM on the phone today, she massively kicked off, saying I was selfish and that if I become and MP the press would run stories about how she's on disability benefits etc.

I see her point but I think shes making this about her, and that I have a right to do whatever I want with my life. a AIBU?

It's Labour isn't it. I saw them tweeting out a link to the application form.

Good luck!

There is no shame in claiming disability benefits providing you entitled to them. Sorry, but mental health does not have the stigma that it had many years ago. Your Mother is over reacting. Your Mother should be proud that you want to be part of the democratic process.

""I think at the minute I'm struggling to be fully sympathetic to her because of the way she handled it. She had a massive go, and didn't at any point acknowledge the dilemma""

So if something is put out in the press, or on Social Media and your Mum doesn't handle it as you want, are you going to still support her, or still not be 'fully sympathetic'?

You need to be addressing this face to face and going through her fears and the possibilities.

Go for it, but be prepared for the gutter press. It is unfair that people feel they can't run as certain papers may drag out rubbish & lies.

We need good candidates, we don't need people with perfect lives and histories. Stand and be proud. And know that if you do get any flack it will be because you scare the opposition. Anyone who counts won't believe the rubbish.

There are two left wing parties?

I don't think the health issues of backbench MP's parents sell newspapers. Go for it. Perhaps your mother has a touch of anxiety that will pass.

It breaks my heart that we live in a country where a prospective MPs family live in fear of exposure due to an illness because a family member wants to work for the public. Worse still is that said exposure could make the illness worse and that the media would think it fair game to comment on the relatives means of financial survival.

I totally understand your mother's fears OP but perhaps You can discuss the position of power you would be in to bring changes to the system she fears. A pp already mentions david Cameron's son claimed benefits. There is no shame in having mental health problems but sadly the filthy hacks we have working for our most popular media don't care about that.

It's a tough one. I'd try to reassure her and do it anyway but it's not really a case of her being unreasonable but fearful and justifiably so.

When I don't see comments on here describing people as loons, crackers, nuts, fruit cakes, bonkers, etc, then I'll believe there is no stigma attached to those with mental health problems.

Which is the other left wing party besides Labour?

Well you're unlikely to be interviewed on the News at Ten until you have a higher profile. I do think her fears are a OTT at this stage.

I don't think you should let that stop you pursuing this dream.

You could chat with her about how none of that would be an issue unless you became a high profile MP. That you would reconsider at that point.

You would be in a great position to champion the discrimination that disabled people face and MH especially so. Reassure her that you will protect her privacy but if she were to be mentioned you would defend her to the hilt and might even be able to create a better environment for the mentally unwell to claim benefits they are entitled to.

Good luck.

So I went ahead, and I've at least submitted my details. I'm going to have a chat with DM tomorrow in person, explain the likelihood of anything being reported etc

If it starts becoming a possibility that I even get past the first stage, perhaps I can come to some sort of compromise with her where I promise not to talk about her in any capacity.

Good for you OP. Wishing you all the best, and hope your mum eventually comes round to the idea.