I was delighted to recently attend the excellent Purbrook and Widley Area Residents Association (PAWARA) Information Fayre.
Along with local councillors from the Purbrook and Stakes area, we were able to discuss with residents a range of local and national issues.
There were a wide range of organisations and community groups at the event, and it was excellent to see such a strong turnout.
Well done to Cllr Gary Hughes and his team from PAWARA for all of their hard work putting it together.
In Westminster, last month I invited Crookhorn College teacher Vicci Masson to Parliament as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Qualification of Women Act.
This landmark act, allowed women to stand for Parliament for the first time - a watershed moment in our nation’s history, as Britain moved towards equality.
I welcomed Vicci to Parliament as part of the ‘Ask Her To Stand’ initiative, inviting a constituent to Westminster for the day to see what it’s like to be an MP.
The event, saw more than 250 inspiring women from all parts of the country descend on Westminster to highlight the need for more women in politics. They were invited to take part in workshops, listen to talks, watch Prime Minister’s Questions and to get a full picture of what it means to stand for political office.
While not all of these women will go onto a career in Westminster, it’s also important to ensure that we inspire women to stand at all levels of Government – including in local politics.
If anyone is interested in getting involved in politics, at any level, and would like help or advice, email me at:alan.mak.mp@parliament.uk