More women in parliament must shape policy says Portsmouth MP

Flick Drummond went to Portsmouth Academy for Girls, in Fratton, Portsmouth, to speak to pupils on the anniversary of Nancy Astor becoming the country’s first female MP in 1919.

Mrs Drummond told pupils she was the 413th female MP ever to be elected to the House of Commons – which is still fewer than the amount of men currently sitting in the chamber just in this parliament.

Mrs Drummond, who has represented Portsmouth South in parliament since last year, said: ‘I said that my journey to parliament had to show determination and persistence and this is important for any job.

‘I also said it was much better for any potential politicians get a job to gain experience in the world before standing for parliament.

‘But I also added that we must have more women in parliament shaping policy and how our country is governed.’

Mrs Drummond took questions from pupils at the St Mary’s Road school about how to get into politics and her role in Westminster.

Mrs Drummond said: ‘I very much hope my visit encouraged these girls to think big about what they can achieve.

‘Often women do lack self-belief but I said very clearly; “Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams and be proud of what you achieve in whatever you do”.’