Fareham MP continues to vote in Parliament as she welcomes first child

TEARS, tantrums, and infantile behaviour will not stop MP Suella Braverman from playing a full role in national politics.
By Richard Lemmer
Published 29th Jul 2019, 18:50 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2019, 16:06 BST
Fareham MP Suella Braverman with husband Rael Braverman and newborn son George Jeffery Braverman, born on July 10. Picture: Suella BravermanFareham MP Suella Braverman with husband Rael Braverman and newborn son George Jeffery Braverman, born on July 10. Picture: Suella Braverman
Fareham MP Suella Braverman with husband Rael Braverman and newborn son George Jeffery Braverman, born on July 10. Picture: Suella Braverman

The Conservative MP, married to Rael Braverman, who was ‘absolutely delighted’ at the birth of her son George Jeffery Braverman last month is now juggling maternity leave and her parliamentary duties.

Despite being on leave, she will continue to vote in the parliament when MPs return from recess thanks to a new proxy scheme, with fellow European Research Group and Brexiteer ally Steve Baker casting votes on her behalf.

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The scheme has been introduced for new mothers, new fathers, and adoptive parents. When MPs are unable to vote they are usually paired with an opposing politician who is also away so as to neutralise their votes.

Mrs Braverman, who has thanked NHS staff for their ‘amazing care’ up to the birth of her son on July 10, said: ‘Although parties have successfully used a pairing system for many years when MPs require absence, getting a pairing is not guaranteed, which is why the proxy voting scheme is important because it ensures that MPs can vote as normal while looking after their new born children.’

The pairing system came under criticism last year when Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis voted on a trade bill after pairing with East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson, who was on maternity leave. 

Mrs Braverman cast her first vote by her proxy in favour of changing the expenditure for Ministry of Housing, Communities and local Government on July 2. 

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She has cast 14 proxy votes on issues including Northern Ireland and the HS2 project since June 14.

Gosport MP Caroline Dineage will be speaking on her behalf during debates.

Mrs Braverman said: ‘During my leave, with the help of my team in Fareham and Westminster, I will continue to deal with casework, enquiries or other matters as raised by residents.

‘Given that last year my team and I replied to 35,000 emails, over 1,000 phone calls and with about 500 individual cases, we are well placed to keep up the momentum.’

She added: ‘We would like to thank all those who have sent us messages of goodwill and support.’

Her maternity leave will end in December. 

Related topics:Suella BravermanMPsParliamentFarehamSteve Baker