Manuela Perteghella is the LibDem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Stratford on Avon
What stage are you at in your selection journey?
I have been selected to stand in the Stratford on Avon constituency for the Liberal Democrats at the next General Election.
Have you always been interested in politics? Say a bit about how it started for you.
Politics has always been important to me as this shapes policies which in turn impact on our lives. I was very aware of the critical role politics plays in our lives since my secondary school years (when I used to be elected as student rep, but also when I underwent a political awakening, marching for workers rights) and later at university (women’s rights, climate change, but also protesting against the war in Iraq). Though the leap into political life happened after the UK Referendum to leave the EU. I joined a political party for the first time, the Liberal Democrats, and became a political activist and campaigner. Then I stood for local elections and was elected to the district council in Stratford on Avon, representing my homeward.
What inspired you to get into politics?
Everything we do, for me, is political. I grew up in Italy where politics are a regular topic of conversation in families. But the inspiration to become a politician, and make a difference, was a sense of powerlessness after Brexit (despite living here for nearly 30 years I was not allowed to vote in the Referendum as at the time I did not hold British citizenship. EU citizens were excluded from the vote). This feeling of being (quite literally) disenfranchised was, through engaging with politics itself, transformed into a sense of empowerment, a sense of being able to offer a brighter, fairer alternative to the divisive and toxic narrative by some of our political leaders. I always believed in standing up for my community, and making a difference, and engaging with and shaping politics has helped me achieve this. I feel we need to reappropriate the term ‘politician’ and make it full of positive connotations.
Were you asked to stand? They say women have to be asked at least three times to stand.
I was asked to stand. I was only asked once as the thought had already come to my mind and I said yes straight away.
What training have you done? Eg Elect Her, LWN, Women2Win
I have undertaken quite a few training sessions bespoke for women in politics, with the wonderful LibDem women, but also 50:50 Parliament.
How do you think your current career will help you with your political career?
I am a district councillor so this experience is already shaping me as a politician and as a policymaker, with a focus on local issues and grassroots politics. With a background in Higher Education, I know how important it is that each child has the best start in life and the role that education plays.
Are there any political issues that you are particularly passionate about? What really motivates you?
The climate crisis is particularly important and tackling this is central to whatever I do. From my councillor experience I am also passionate about housing issues (everyone deserves a warm and safe home). The NHS is a top priority, I see how local residents and families need it at different stages of their lives, and we must do all we can to protect it.
What has your experience trying to be a candidate been like?
My experience of being a local election candidate in the past and a Parliamentary Candidate now has been overall positive. I have a brilliant campaign team, and we all support each other, so that really helps.
Were there specific issues you faced that you think are unique to you being a woman?
The local party has a candidates diversity plan to widen participation and we achieved gender balance in past local elections, so I am very lucky to have such supportive frameworks. But I know that many women still face huge obstacles and barriers. We need to ensure that we close the gender gap and help more women being selected and elected.
Do you think being a woman would be beneficial should you be elected?
Yes, I think we need more gender balance in Parliament. A better representation makes for better democracy. So let’s hope even more women are elected in the next Parliament, so we can make a change.
What advice would you give to another woman that wants to get into politics?
Go Girl! But make sure to always have precious time for yourself and your family.