Do you have a constituent in mind when you’re standing up representing them in parliament?

“In my mind, it’s usually a group of people, and it’s often people I’ve met that week. I enjoy knocking on doors and visiting schools and community organisations and finding out from people what they’re passionate about and what they want from their representatives. Westminster isn’t always the warmest place and Nottingham is the complete opposite. It’s such a loving and friendly community, so when I come back to work in parliament, I feel nourished after a weekend at home talking to constituents and my local community.”

What piece of criticism as a politician has stuck in your mind?

“When I first started organising and campaigning around trans rights, I found it very hurtful that transphobic people would say that this meant that I didn’t care about women’s rights. My support for trans rights has always been part of my feminism. In the fight against patriarchy, cis women and trans women are natural allies, we all face gendered oppression.

I’ve spent so much time campaigning on women’s rights – from abortion rights to workplace rights – but according to these transphobic people, because I consider trans women as women, none of that counts. Unfortunately, I’m now used to the hate I get for speaking up for trans rights. But that’s also a drop in the ocean compared to what trans people have to navigate on a regular basis.”

What was the last lie you told?

“It’s probably quite a common lie for most people, but it was when someone asked ‘How are you?’ the other day. And I replied saying I was OK, when actually I was exhausted and I’d had a really difficult day. There’s often added pressure as an MP to constantly appear on top of everything in all situations.”

How do you keep your brain sharp?

“I watch French and German TV and films. I listen to podcasts, read articles or even just scroll on French and German TikTok. It helps remind me that the world is much bigger and more interesting than whatever I’ve been stressed about that day. And speaking other languages, it also helps me practise my language skills and think more laterally, too.”

Why should a voter trust you?

“I don’t care about power for the sake of power. So, people can trust that when I speak, I haven’t been leant on by vested interests or the promise of a promotion. I don’t take my full MP salary and I certainly don’t have a lucrative second job on the side. I’m not in this job to line my pockets. My actions reflect what my constituents are telling me and what I believe to be the right thing. I’ve also had experience in my life that means that I know what it’s like to feel disempowered and left behind.

I’m not telling people, ‘put faith in me and everything will change’. Change is far more collective than that and it can only be achieved through democracy and equality in terms of wealth and power.”

What would make you walk away from politics?

“If I felt that I wasn’t useful as an MP anymore, or that I’d be more useful elsewhere, I’d make space for someone else to take on the role. But I don’t think it’s a case of either being an MP or walking away from politics. Politics happens in our everyday lives. It’s organising workplaces, protesting on the street, mobilising mutual aid in our communities. Being an MP is one role in a big ecosystem. It’s one that I feel I’m useful in right now as I can build bridges between movements outside parliament and the representatives inside. I can use my access to people with power on behalf of my constituents, particularly those who wouldn’t otherwise get heard.”

What keeps you awake at night?

“I’m actually blessed to sleep really well. I’m lucky that I’ve always slept well, even when I have stressful things happening in my life. On the occasion I am kept awake at night, it’s usually because my thoughts are getting existential and I feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problems we’re facing. Why is next to nothing being done to avert climate catastrophe? Why is the prime minister not acting like this is a global emergency?”

Answer The Question is Stylist’s home for all things voting and elections. In the series, we sit down with MPs from across the political spectrum to get to the heart of who they are and, more importantly, why we should trust them with our vote.

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