Webchat on women and politics, with Nicky Morgan, Jo Swinson and Gloria De Piero: Tuesday June 24, 1pm

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello



Hopefully lots of you will have seen coverage of our political culture survey over the weekend.

We asked 1200 of you what you thought about Westminster culture, and overwhelmingly you told us that you think that it's sexist, it's not family-friendly, and that to get on in politics you have to be ruthless, ambitious, rich, well-connected and - last but not least - male.

You also told us that you think the political culture in Westminster doesn't lead to politicians being able to take effective decisions about policies that will change people's lives for the better. And you told us that most of you (around two-thirds) would never consider standing for political office.

We're going to be having a webchat on Tuesday at 1pm to discuss the findings with the women's ministers/shadow minister from the three main parties:

Nicky Morgan is the Conservative MP for Loughborough, and is the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Women's Minister

Jo Swinson is the Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, and is the Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations and the junior Equalities Minister

Gloria De Piero is the Labour MP for Ashfield and Shadow Minister for Women and Equality.

Please join us on Tuesday at 1pm - and if you can't make it then, as ever, please post up any comments or questions in advance.

Thanks
MNHQ

STOP PRESS - DO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS RATHER FABULOUS VIDEO OF NICKY, JO AND GLORIA

[JoSwinsonMP]

@stillstandingatthebusstop

Hi there

I see a problem with politics seeming irrelevant and somehow distant from young people. For example, ds1 has just turned 18, and didn't not intend to vote in the May elections, until I got mad and talked about how different it was in the not so distant past and how lucky he is to have a vote etc So my question is, how can political parties make politics more relevant to young people?

Another off topic question

One problem is people thinking politics doesn’t affect them, when of course it does. When I go to local schools I often ask “who is interested in politics?” and a few stray hands go up in the class. I then ask “who is interested in local bus services / climate change / minimum wage rates / sports facilities etc” and of course lots of hands go up, and I explain how politicians at different levels make decisions on all of these things. I don’t think there’s one silver bullet for connecting better with young people, but being accessible is part of it. There’s also a challenge in how long it can take to achieve change sometimes – we live in a very immediate society – you vote on X Factor and someone gets eliminated the next day, whereas with the best will in the world, many of the changes that can happen through our political system can’t be as immediate.

[NickyMorganMP]

@DoItTooJulia

I think that this contributes to why women are put off a career in parliament.

I read this and I am horrified he has kept his job. How do you try to encourage women into a career when their colleagues behave like this and their boss minimises it?

Breaking the rules, I do have a second question.

What single measure could be taken to increase women in politics, in your opinion?

I cannot think what possessed him. As the PM has said - what he said was unacceptable. Some mumsnet users will recall Austin Mitchell MP used the word "rape" totally inappropriately in a twitter post recently. I would just say that Michael Fabricant doesn't have a Party/Ministerial role - his job is as an MP and clearly that job is a matter for his electorate.

To answer your second question I think it is important to have more female role models in politics - something I hope Jo, Gloria and I are.

[GloriaDePieroMP]

@badooby

Hello - thank you for coming on.

PMQs embarrasses me. Does it embarrass you?

to be honest badooby it does, one person - it was a bloke actually - said it was like watching jeremy kyle with posh people. It's the worst possible advert for politics and the select committee system shows that it's possible to quiz ministers and get answers. i now prefer to ask written ministerial questions on behalf of constituents so Ministers can't dodge the question.

[JoSwinsonMP]

@nameequality

Jo/Gloria/Nicky - do you get much chance to get together as women in cross-party events?

I'm just thinking that if you all did it might be easier to push through things which would benefit all MPs and things which benefit all women - obviously things on which you can find a consensus!

Also do you think that the fact that there is such a low percentage of women MPs has contributed to FOR EXAMPLE the fact that mothers' names are STILL not recorded on marriage certificates in England & Wales??!!

There's a fair bit of this - for example there are various all-party groups that look at various issues affecting women. There is definitely a link between who is in Parliament and which issues get dealt with. Having been on maternity leave I'm not up-to-date with the internal discussions on the marriage certificates issue though I have followed the campaign on social media and in the press, and my understanding is that it is being looked at seriously in government. I was quite surprised when I read about it actually, having been married in Scotland where both parents' names are recorded.

[GloriaDePieroMP]

@DoItTooJulia

I think that this contributes to why women are put off a career in parliament.

I read this and I am horrified he has kept his job. How do you try to encourage women into a career when their colleagues behave like this and their boss minimises it?

Breaking the rules, I do have a second question.

What single measure could be taken to increase women in politics, in your opinion?

Hi DoItTooJulia. You’re right, it’s completely appalling. I wrote to the Prime Minister about it saying a similar thing.

We’ll see what he says… And on your 2nd question. All Women Shortlists for all Parties! It’s worked for us. Before 1997 only 168 women had ever been elected to Parliament. In 1997 when we introduced them 101 Labour women were elected in one go. It’s electric shock treatment but it works! There are more men MPs today than there have EVER been women elected to parliament.

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Going into schools to talk with youngsters sounds a very good and rewarding thing to do Nicky.
Jo and Gloria, do you both find and enjoy similar opportunities to encourage our young people to engage with politics?
My daughter is on our city's Youth Council BTW, and keen to speak up for things she feels need changing

[NickyMorganMP]

@charlieandlola

At least two of you are mothers to under 5's , am I right ? An MP seems incompatible with family life.?
My friends husband is an MP and they rarely have a weekend when he is home uninterrupted and then Sunday night to Thursday he is in London.
School holidays he is at home but often travels abroad and around the country. They had to fly back last summer from their only holiday week in France as MPs were summoned home.he has missed all his kids birthdays for the last 4 years. They get shouted at in the street and their eldest is being bullied at school because of his dad's job.
I expect his wife to leave him shortly as she feels utterly abandoned and tells me that he is a virtual stranger to her.

Is this a true representation or is she making it all up ?

It all sounds grim and if true then why would women put themselves through that, abandon their family to be shouted at on Newsnight, jeered in the chamber and abused in the street and online ?

Well, Jo's son is definitely under 5 and my son is now 6. I'm not sure if Mr Morgan is a mumsnetter - if he is he will have a view on this. I have to be honest - it can be a 24/7 job (especially if you are also a Minister) but it is an important job and that is why we need good people to do it - MPs can change things for their constituents, their constituencies and, if possible, at a national level. There are also lots of jobs where couples work different hours or shifts and it is also a question of sharing things as a couple and prioritising making time for family.

[Frances5050]

Thanks for your answer! :)) 30% women in House of Commons would be a start and might change the culture a bit. It would be 70 more women than we have now but still not fully representative. Neither would it be making the most of the nation's talents and experience, 50% of which are women's. How many MPs are fathers? Do you think it is good for MPs to be mothers?

[JoSwinsonMP]

@TheStandard

This is one for Jo and Nicky really.

Labour has already made big strides with women's representation through all-women shortlists.

Do you (Jo and Nicky) personally agree with that as a way of increasing women's presence as MPs?

If not, what measures do you think should be taken? (Or do you not think anything should be done?)

What are your parties currently doing to increase the numbers of female MPs? Both LibDems and Tories have pretty lamentable records on this.

I think we need to understand the actual problem and then take steps to fix it. I’m not against all-women shortlists in principle – if there is sexism in the selection process stopping women becoming candidates in winnable seats then it is probably the only way to level the playing field. However when we did the research in the Lib Dems we found that women were just as likely as men to win contests for winnable seats that they applied for, our problem was we had 4 or 5 times as many men applying as women.

We’ve invested in projects like our Campaign for Gender Balance to encourage and support more women to become candidates, and we have a Leadership Programme which supports a group of 40 candidates from under-represented backgrounds (including BME which NK5BM3 also rightly mentioned) with an intensive programme of training, mentoring and resources. Of the 8 seats where we have MPs standing down next time, 5 have selected women candidates, without all-women shortlists.

[Frances5050]

Photo of mothers supporting 50:50 Parliament :))

[JoSwinsonMP]

@DoItTooJulia

I think that this contributes to why women are put off a career in parliament.

I read this and I am horrified he has kept his job. How do you try to encourage women into a career when their colleagues behave like this and their boss minimises it?

Breaking the rules, I do have a second question.

What single measure could be taken to increase women in politics, in your opinion?

I thought Yasmin’s article was really powerful and I was shocked at the tweet too – unacceptable, especially from an elected representative. But perhaps it is an example of why we absolutely need more women in public life.

There is a danger, I think, that focusing on the barriers and problems that women face in politics can put people off. It’s right that we look at how those issues can be overcome, but I also think we need to spend more time and energy making the case for why women will actually enjoy being involved in politics. It can be hugely rewarding – I think of individual constituents whose problem I’ve resolved, or the opportunities for young people I created through a Jobs Fair and initiatives with local businesses, or as a Minister changing the law so that mums and dads can share parental leave. For all the shouty PMQs coverage, actually many of the qualities and skills needed to be an MP are ones women have in spades: cooperation, empathy, influencing others.

So if you care about your community, about issues (do you shout at Question Time on the TV? Always a good indicator I reckon!), and want to help change things, why not get involved? Obviously I’d be delighted if you want to do so as a Lib Dem (www.libdems.org.uk/join) and I’m sure Tory, Labour and other party supporters would also get a warm welcome in those parties.

[NickyMorganMP]

@nameequality

Jo/Gloria/Nicky - do you get much chance to get together as women in cross-party events?

I'm just thinking that if you all did it might be easier to push through things which would benefit all MPs and things which benefit all women - obviously things on which you can find a consensus!

Also do you think that the fact that there is such a low percentage of women MPs has contributed to FOR EXAMPLE the fact that mothers' names are STILL not recorded on marriage certificates in England & Wales??!!

Well, one of the things I discovered when I got here is that we have these All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) - and actually even in debates and committees MPs do work together especially on local issues. The APPGs allow cross party groups of MPs and members of the Lords to work on a whole variety of issues - for example before I became a Minister I was very involved in the Mental Health Group. And I think Gloria is a member of that one too. MPs on all sides did work together on the vote to change the sitting hours earlier in this Parliament (we now don't sit until 10pm on Tuesdays).

To answer your second point (and a few of you asked something similar) I am sure that if there were more women we'd have more of a female perspective on a whole host of issues. The marriage certificates issue is being looked at very seriously by Ministers.

[GloriaDePieroMP]

@nameequality

Jo/Gloria/Nicky - do you get much chance to get together as women in cross-party events?

I'm just thinking that if you all did it might be easier to push through things which would benefit all MPs and things which benefit all women - obviously things on which you can find a consensus!

Also do you think that the fact that there is such a low percentage of women MPs has contributed to FOR EXAMPLE the fact that mothers' names are STILL not recorded on marriage certificates in England & Wales??!!

hi nameequality, on an issue like getting more women into politics we all agree we need more, but not on how, but it's important that where politicians do agree with each other, we say so.

on marriage certificates - unlike JoSwinsonMP i havent been on maternity leave, but im still confused about the Government's position. Here's a [[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/10905729/Shadow-Minister-for-Women-Why-Im-challenging-the-Government-over-mothers-names-on-marriage-certificates.html
blog]] i wrote about why -

[NickyMorganMP]

@TheStandard

This is one for Jo and Nicky really.

Labour has already made big strides with women's representation through all-women shortlists.

Do you (Jo and Nicky) personally agree with that as a way of increasing women's presence as MPs?

If not, what measures do you think should be taken? (Or do you not think anything should be done?)

What are your parties currently doing to increase the numbers of female MPs? Both LibDems and Tories have pretty lamentable records on this.

Well, I think David Cameron's policy on having an "A" list of candidates before the 2010 election and introducing things such as gender blind CVs shows the Conservative Party is taking this very seriously. I do think the big issue is we just aren't getting enough women coming forward (which is an issue for all Parties) - we are seeing more women selected now in our seats. I think we need to see where we end up in 2015 and if we are still struggling to get more women MPs then no option is off the table.

[JoSwinsonMP]

@Frances5050

Thanks for your answer! :)) 30% women in House of Commons would be a start and might change the culture a bit. It would be 70 more women than we have now but still not fully representative. Neither would it be making the most of the nation's talents and experience, 50% of which are women's. How many MPs are fathers? Do you think it is good for MPs to be mothers?

I don't know how many MPs are fathers but anecdotally it's quite a lot. What I find really frustrating is that male MPs never seem to get asked about how they manage to balance their work and family lives. When I was pregnant I did get asked it a lot by journalists and I used to say that I'd be happy to answer it if they could tell me who the last male MP was that they asked that question to! Actually encouraging men to talk about their balancing acts too is helpful to other dads and dads-to-be, and gets away from the assumption that everything is the mother's responsibility.

[JoSwinsonMP]

@stillstandingatthebusstop

For Jo Swinson

The Liberal Democrat Party must have real problems being credible with women voters after the recent Lord Rennard scandal.

How can I vote for a party that does not react strongly when it's women activists are reported to be being sexually harassed?

There are really important issues here – both for politics and wider society. You might be interested in the speech I made to Lib Dem conference about these issues – you can watch part of it here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21721142 and the full transcript is available here: www.libdemvoice.org/jo-swinson-talks-directly-to-lib-dem-members-about-her-role-in-the-chris-rennard-allegations-33605.html

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Nice post Jo about the need to talk more about why many women might enjoy becoming involved in politics - with some admirably subtle MN style stealth boasting thrown in for good measure about rewarding things you've been able to do as a politician

[NickyMorganMP]

@Darkesteyes

Slightly off topic but because decisions made in Parliament ,affect peoples lives all politicians should be made to undergo a psychological assessment prior to election.

Wow! That would be fascinating and quite scary! Definitely one for the Whips Office to perhaps use! On a serious note we had a whole variety of tests to get on the Conservative candidates list - however, I think the best test/assessment is getting out and talking to constituents.

[JoSwinsonMP]

@JugglingFromHereToThere

Going into schools to talk with youngsters sounds a very good and rewarding thing to do Nicky.
Jo and Gloria, do you both find and enjoy similar opportunities to encourage our young people to engage with politics?
My daughter is on our city's Youth Council BTW, and keen to speak up for things she feels need changing

Yes, one of my favourite parts of the job is going into schools and speaking with young people about politics - and far from apathy I often find a fair bit of enthusiasm for a wide range of issues. Too often politicians can take the view that young people don't matter until they are 18 and can vote - this is ridiculous. I take the view that I represent people whatever age they are and children are just as entitled to bring their concerns to me as adults. I think I was 10 when I first wrote to my MP...

[NickyMorganMP]

@Quivering

I'd be interested to hear what you think about jobshares for mps as a way to bring more women into politics? Or if you have any other suggestions yourselves?

I have been thinking about this - my initial instinct is that this wouldn't work because to do the job of an MP well you need to do both constituency and Westminster work. But then in my former life a solicitor I worked with two women who did a job share in a stressful corporate environment so maybe it would. I do think that, like any other work place flexible working, including job shares, should be considered. I do wonder what the electorate would make of having to vote for two people for one role?

[GloriaDePieroMP]

@Katn

I think some of the Hansard society stuff on possible reforms to PMQs sounds good. I actually like the fact the PM has to go to the House of Commons and account for his actions each week, it's the posing that goes with it that frustrates me.

I think quick-fire questions, and questions from the public sound like a great idea. What do you think?

hi Katn, i used to be a journalist and the first interviewing rule i learned was that no question should be more than 8 words. i reckon politicians could learn a lot from that one. a quick fire question is often a better way to put people on the spot than giving them ages to prepare the answer. i know the mumsnet survey found an appetite for 'sin bins' but my worry is it might just encourage some people to behave badly so how about recording MPs who've been reprimanded by the Speaker - might be something that Theyworkforyou can add because i reckon more of our constituents see that- i'm sure local papers would report it. The only people that MPs would be genuinely frightened of a 'telling off' from is their own constituents

[Frances5050]

My understanding is that the average age in the House of Commons is about 50, perhaps at that point in life both men's and women's parenting responsibilities become less demanding. Could this present the parties with an opportunity when it comes to attracting women into politics?

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

I know I've butted in to the discussion quite a bit already - perhaps I should go into politics - but as a follow up question to Jo's points ...

What do you all think of lowering the voting age to 16?

I think this would be a great idea to engage young people in politics whilst discussions on voting intentions could still be included within say citizenship studies in the Sixth form. My dd (aged 15) also thinks it would be a good idea and they've discussed it on the City Youth Council she's on.

[NickyMorganMP]

@QothTheRaven

Hi to everyone,

MPs are paid about £60k (which does sound like a lot) but actually in London in particular, do you think that is that enough to attract the best candidates?

Well, I don't know anyone who has decided they want to be elected on the basis of pay - the point is that it is about 3 times the national average wage and I think as a country we have other things to spend our money on. However, I do think we need to be clearer about why MPs incur legitimate office expenses and for those of us who have constituencies more than 100 miles away from London why we can claim hotel room costs/rent. I also get really annoyed when my staff salaries are described as expenses - they aren't. They are salaries and they work extremely hard for them.

[NickyMorganMP]

@Frances5050

My understanding is that the average age in the House of Commons is about 50, perhaps at that point in life both men's and women's parenting responsibilities become less demanding. Could this present the parties with an opportunity when it comes to attracting women into politics?

Good point. I am in favour of women of all ages having second careers - and politics can certainly be one of them!