New Green MP Hannah Spencer has passionately argued that more plumbers and plasterers should stand for election to become Members of Parliament, during her inaugural address in the House of Commons. Ms Spencer, who triumphed for the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, delivered her maiden speech as part of a debate marking International Women's Day.
From College to Commons: A Remarkable Journey
Ms Spencer, sworn into Parliament just ten days prior, reflected on her rapid transition from a vocational training course to the political arena. "Four weeks ago today I was in college, a plumber learning how to plaster, and today I'm in Parliament as an MP," she told fellow MPs. She emphasised that this shift should not be seen as unusual, stating, "Being here is the honour of my life but I don't want this to be unusual or exceptional, I truly believe that anyone doing a job like mine should get a seat on these benches."
Championing a Deprived Constituency
The MP for Gorton and Denton in south east Manchester, who now holds a 4,402 majority over Reform UK, vowed to put her constituency "on the map" by advocating for its strengths. She highlighted that it ranks as the 15th most deprived area in the UK, suffering from "decades of neglect and broken promises." Ms Spencer detailed visible issues such as litter, poor housing conditions, and polluted air, linking these to broader struggles like unemployment and reduced life chances.
"My constituency has been hit hard by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis," she asserted. "Now, none of this is fair, none of this is right and none of it happens by accident." Labour, which previously held the seat, came third in the by-election, underscoring the significant political shift in the region.
Personal Tributes and Emotional Moments
During her speech, Ms Spencer paid tribute to her former classmates on her plastering course, noting they "dealt with my newfound spotlight in the middle of our training very well." She also became briefly emotional when recounting how school pupils dressed as her on International Women's Day, a gesture that moved her deeply.
Support from Fellow Greens and Security Concerns
Green Party MPs Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) and Ellie Chowns (North Herefordshire) flanked Ms Spencer during her address, having also accompanied her when she was sworn in on March 2. Her entry into Parliament has not been without controversy; last weekend, she required a police escort after anti-transgender campaigners clashed with activists following a speech she gave at a rally in central Manchester.
Advocacy for Marginalised Groups
In her parliamentary remarks, Ms Spencer raised concerns about various groups being left behind, including Muslims, military veterans, and "the white working class who are always lumped into one group and never appreciated." She also expressed support for trans people, whom she said are often "blamed for everything."
"I don't always get it. I won't say I always understand it, but what I do know is what it feels like to be looked down on, to be let down and left behind," she confessed. "To be less worthy because of something about me. And our struggles may be different but our humanity is the same."
A Call for Unity and Continuous Action
Ms Spencer concluded with a powerful message of solidarity, urging MPs to carry forward the spirit of International Women's Day daily. "We always stick together, we always fight for each other and that is what I want us to take forward from International Women's Day and to do that every single day," she declared. Her speech marks her as only the fifth Green Party MP ever to serve in the House of Commons, signalling a growing influence for the party in UK politics.
