We spoke to Wendy Chamberlain MP to get an insight into what life is like as a woman MP. Wendy Chamberlain is the Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife and she currently undertakes the roles of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Work and Pensions), and Liberal Democrat Chief Whip. She is the 503rd woman MP ever elected.
What is the thing that has made you most proud of being an MP?
For me, it’s all about the casework. When my team and I work together on a complex issue, working out the best way for us to take something forward, and then achieve a result that has a direct impact on someone’s day to day life, it’s the best feeling. Notable examples include ensuring that an 8 year old child could travel safely to the UK with her mother following the sudden death of her father, securing a significant refund for an elderly constituent who had been billed incorrectly by her energy company for a significant period of time, and highlighting the case of a young constituent with the PANS/PANDA condition at PMQs resulting in a change of medical approach.
Which other female MP do you most admire and why?
Ray Michie, the first Liberal Democrat female MP elected for a Scottish constituency. She was a friend of my grandfather’s (my father is from Argyll) and I met her as a small child. She was the first MP to swear the oath in Gaelic and worked across a wide range of issues.
Have you worked cross-party with other women MPs? On what and what did it achieve?
So much of this role is about building relationships, and I actually think it’s something women excel at. Both of my legislative achievements as a back bench MP have come from making those connections – the passing of my Carer’s Leave Private Members Bill and the cross-party amendment to the Member Code of Conduct that now prevents any member voting in relation to their own suspension following the breaking of that convention by Owen Paterson in 2021. My relationships with other women (and being part of the Parliamentary Women’s Football Team!) have been integral to getting so much done.
What is the most important thing that women MPs bring to politics?
I think everyone brings something unique to politics, but you only need to look at the wider variety of issues that are now being discussed and addressed, particularly those that are most likely to impact on women, to see the benefits that more women MPs bring.
What piece of advice would you give to a women seeking to become an MP
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Seriously, what is the worst that can happen? Get involved, ask questions, seek support and always say Why Not Me as opposed to Why Me?