Webchat with Miriam González Durántez, Tues 21st April, 11.30 am

[JustineMumsnet]

We're very pleased to say that Miriam González Durántez - international trade lawyer and wife of Nick Clegg - will be joining us for a webchat tomorrow (Tuesday 21st) at 11.30am.

Miriam a couple of years ago, and has spoken a few times about how she was bowled over by the support of Mumsnetters when she was propelled into the public eye five years ago.

She's fitting in some campaigning for some women LibDem MPs over the next few weeks, whilst continuing to practise as Head of EU Trade and EU Relations at law firm Dechert.

We hope you can join us at 11.30 on Tuesday April 21 to talk to Miriam about careers, campaigning, Mumsnet, and the mixed bag that is being a politician's spouse.

(And before you ask... yes, we are working on having all the major party leaders on before the election, and we're not intending to go too far down the spouse route ourselves - but we know that Miriam and MNers are rather fond of each other and think her insights on the campaign might be interesting .)

If you can't make it on the day, do please post up your questions in advance here.'

Are we having SamCam and JustineMilli too? And Mrs Farage?

@VictoriaPeckem

Are we having SamCam and JustineMilli too? And Mrs Farage?

We've no plans for that, but if SamCam or Justine Thornton (or indeed Kirsten Farage or Peter Murrell (Nicola Sturgeon's husband, fact fans)) reached out to us, we probably would.

I don't understand the obsession Mumsnet has with this woman. She is obviously accomplished in her field but I'm sure many Mumsnetters are equally qualified/successful

How do you balance your family, home and professional duties? I'm often amazed at how many mothers there are who work full or part time but also end up doing the lions share of the domestic duties. Just interested how it works when you are both successful and prominent professionals - is the issue taken out of the way by bought in support?

Sorry I won't be here for the chat.

I don't have a question, but I wanted to take the opportunity to say I heard you talk a year or so ago, and I signed up for Inspiring the Future at that point.

It is a fantastic scheme. I have encouraged my children's schools and colleagues to participate. I've spoken in a school once so far, and would do it again if asked.

I'm not sure that many mumsnetters are head of department in international law firms, but I would stand corrected if I have missed a trick.

Does Miriam ever get fed up of some of the silly questions asked by journalists about "having it all"? Does she have some good comebacks?

I'm not sure that many mumsnetters are head of department in international law firms, but I would stand corrected if I have missed a trick.

What in earth is the relevance of that comment?! This is an anonymous parenting forum - not a networking event where we all state our credentials

I'm uneasy that an invitation has not been extended to all the party leaders' partners - I think that would have been the correct way to deal with matters. Then if people refuse, that's fine, but it currently looks a bit partisan

Anyway, my question is what are Nick's plans if he loses his seat?

I imagine many Mumsnetters are heads of departments in law firms, international or otherwise.

Does her son get bullied when his dad turns up at school functions?

Do you feel more should be done for the Bring back our girls campaign and that the Nigerian government should do more

angie - your question will defy Italy be asked.

Not so sure about yours, text. Or yours joni. Or mine...!

It was in answer to joni's comment about MN having many equally qualified members to Miriam. They aren't my credentials.

Bowing out now before the Web chat gets diverted.

The timing of this MN chat leads to the conclusion that you have been invited as the spouse of a party leader rather than in recognition of your own achievements (despite you being extremely successful in your own career!). Since we currently have three female leaders of political parties (SNP; Green; Plaid Cymru) and their DPs are not appearing in magazine or newspaper spreads to further their DW's campaigns (afaik) do you feel that the media's interest in you as a 'wife' is sexist and anachronistic?

And I know, I know, this is a second question and hence probably won't be allowed would you prefer if their DPs were subjected to the same scrutiny or that all spouses were allowed to remain in the background?

During any election campaign there is always a fair amount of personal mud slinging - its the nature of the beast - how do you handle your kid's view of what people are saying about their parents - its ok to say - we don't let them hear about the bad stuff but how on earth do you manage that?

As someone who's husband is standing in a marginal seat, my question is how do you cope with the uncertainty over your future and not go slowly mad? (as I appear to be doing)

I feel I have to respond to this - sorry for taking the thread of track. The point is, miss - there's no way you can know that. this is an annonymous forum

Plus, it's a bit rude to denigrate other people's achievements. Maybe their not head of a department at Decherts but they've worked quite hard to become a consultant orthopaedic surgeon or volunteer for charity or staying at home looking after their DC some other such useful role

they're

Have you thought of going into politics yourself?
If so would that be for the LibDems?

Second question ...
Who's the brightest?
And do you help Nick much with policy and general political challenges?

I enjoyed meeting him (kind of) at the Mumsnet debate BTW
He seems very good with people and seems to be fairly much enjoying the campaign?
How is life for you ATM?
Are you both knackered?

Sorry I guess a few questions there but it's more conversational than anything else! - That's my defense anyway!

I'm a young lawyer at one of the big firms in the City. I want to start a family and I'm wondering if/how the hours and working culture will be sustainable when have children. Do you have any advice and is there anything you think law firms should be doing to help?

Thanks

How do you feel about getting wheeled out to prop up the Lib Dems?

Do you get annoyed by being referred to as Mrs Clegg, when you haven't taken your husband's name?

Do you think Mumsnet should also invite Samantha Cameron, Justine Thornton, Peter Murrell and Nigel Farage's wife to take part in equivalent webchats?

Oh, and that was kind of met him BTW (in a large room with many others) not kind of enjoyed - suddenly thought it might have come across wrong!

Do you not feel demeaned being trotted out at election time to help your flailing husband, whose own webchat was not exactly scintillating?

I agree with Gobbolino. It is partisan to have one spouse and not all. Sorry.

I am also with Goblino - it is wrong to just have one 'wife'.

Pretty poor thinking, MNHQ.