Newly elected Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has been labelled the 'Honourable Member for Instagram' following her extensive use of selfies to chronicle her initial experiences in Westminster. The 34-year-old, who secured victory in last week's Gorton and Denton by-election, has been accused of blending her parliamentary duties with influencer-style behaviour since entering the House of Commons.
Controversial Selfies Spark Political Backlash
Ms Spencer's penchant for capturing moments on camera became particularly noticeable after she was observed taking multiple selfies in Parliament shortly after being sworn in as an MP on Monday afternoon. This photographic documentation extended to Wednesday morning, when she participated in a 'cha-cha-cha' dance event within Portcullis House—an occurrence that unfolded against the backdrop of escalating Middle East crises following retaliatory actions by Iran against US and Israeli strikes.
Dance Event Amid Global Tensions Draws Ire
The sight of parliamentarians twirling during a period of heightened international conflict provoked substantial criticism from colleagues. Reform UK MP Lee Anderson voiced strong disapproval to the Daily Mail, stating: 'Hannah Spencer's first week in Parliament shows just how seriously she's taking the job: not at all.' He further remarked, 'It seems the 'Honourable Member for Instagram' may have confused being a serving politician with being an influencer.'
Mr Anderson added a pointed suggestion regarding Ms Spencer's background as a plumber and recently-qualified plasterer from Manchester: 'If she is a proper plumber, she needs to stop taking selfies, get the spanners out and sort the drains out in the Palace of Westminster because it stinks rotten on my floor.'
Social Media as a Tool for Transparency
In response to the criticism, Ms Spencer defended her approach, telling the Mail: 'I don't think Parliament should be closed off to the eyes of the world and I'm proud to be able to reach hundreds of thousands of people through social media.' She emphasised her commitment to accessibility, adding, 'I meant it when I said I'd open this place up to more people!'
Her social media activity began even before her parliamentary induction, as she used platforms to document her journey from Manchester to London on Sunday, transitioning from her tradesperson role to her new position as only the sixth Green MP in history.
By-Election Victory and Constituency Promises
Ms Spencer's electoral success, which saw her defeat Labour in the Gorton and Denton by-election, was marked by a victory speech in the early hours of last Friday where she pledged diligent service. 'One vote on one night is not something I will take for granted or assume will happen again. I will earn your trust,' she assured her constituents.
She extended her commitment to all residents, stating: 'And to those who didn’t vote for me: I will always work hard for you, and I will always be honest, and I will always be decent.' This promise underscores her intent to represent her community faithfully, despite the ongoing debate over her parliamentary conduct.
The juxtaposition of her social media engagement with traditional parliamentary expectations continues to fuel discussions about the evolving role of politicians in the digital age, particularly as she navigates her nascent career amid both local responsibilities and global tensions.
