Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom MP visited Romford today.
The Lord President of the Council and MP for South Northamptonshire visited Upminster Junior School, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.
She also visited Margaret Thatcher House to support the #KeepHaveringSpecial campaign.
Her visit to the Upminster school was arranged by Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez, and she told Year 6 students stories of her own parliamentary career and others about meetings with the Queen in her role as Lord President of the Council.
Mrs Leadsom has been leading the Vote 100 celebrations in parliament, and children were amazed that despite winning the vote in 1918, women could still not engage in elections unless they owned property or were over the age of 30.
Mrs Leadsom talked to the children about the non-violent campaign of Millicent Fawcett to secure the right to vote, and they asked her in turn about the gender pay gap, how much she earns as an MP and the number of women in the House of Commons today.
She encouraged the children not to see boundaries and to believe everything is in their own hands, suggesting girls take up STEM subjects including science and mathematics, and boys enter caring professions such as mental health work and teaching where their under representation is an issue.
Asked about her favourite law, Mrs Leadsom replied that the EU Withdrawal Bill was the best she had been involved with and the referendum campaign the biggest event of which she has been a part.
She explained to the school that she had first thought about becoming an MP at the age of 13, as she had been so afraid of nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union and wanted to find a way to stop it.
Mrs Leadsom said the best part of her job was the ability to help people and make a real difference to their lives.
However, the children were most enthralled to hear about her role as Lord President, which brings her into regular contact with Her Majesty the Queen.
She also described her work in Downing Street, and her role as Leader of the House in taking laws through parliament.
MP Julia Lopez said: “I was thrilled that the Leader of the House was able to visit children in my constituency in such an important year for women in politics.
“Andrea is an inspirational figure and answered children’s questions with a charm and honesty that truly captivated them.
“I hope they have lasting memories from the day, and that both girls and boys were left believing that they can emulate Andrea’s achievements in whatever career they wish to pursue.”
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