Balancing Acts: Women MPs Share Struggles of Politics and Family in Remote Constituencies

Women in politics are increasingly vocal about the challenges they face in balancing demanding roles with family responsibilities, especially in regions far from the political center. In a recent discussion on BBC Radio Cumbria, two prominent figures, Julie Minns and Lizzi Collinge, shared their experiences of navigating the dual demands of public service and home life as they represent constituencies in Cumbria. With constituencies like Carlisle and Morecambe and Lunesdale located among the furthest from London, the burden of travel compounds the difficulties for these MPs who juggle caring duties alongside their political responsibilities. Lizzi Collinge, who represents Morecambe and Lunesdale while raising her two children with her husband, expressed the emotional toll of being away from home. "Travelling and being away from your family can be quite difficult for the kids," she noted, acknowledging the challenge of compartmentalizing her life while fulfilling her duties in Westminster. Collinge's personal experiences resonate deeply with her constituents, as she often deals with sensitive casework, including aiding a homeless individual and participating in discussions surrounding the heart-wrenching issue of baby loss. Drawing upon her own painful experiences of pregnancy loss, she emphasized the importance of having diverse voices in Parliament, stating, "If you only have one sort of person in Parliament, then you don't get the action that's needed for everyone in the country." Similarly, Julie Minns, who took office in July, balances her role as an MP with being an unpaid carer for her elderly mother and aunt. With her time divided between the rigors of political life in London and her responsibilities back home, she described her experience as a constant juggling act, often leaving her feeling overwhelmed. "I haven't caught my breath since being elected," she admitted, highlighting the challenges faced by those who take on unpaid caregiving roles, which disproportionately fall to women. As an only child, Minns feels the societal pressure that often expects women to assume primary responsibility for caregiving. "There is still a slight societal or generational expectation that women are the primary carers," she said, pointing to the persistent evidence that women continue to undertake the majority of childcare and household duties. These candid reflections shed light on the broader issues of gender equity in politics and the necessity for a more inclusive Parliament that reflects the diverse realities of constituents across the country. As these women advocate for their communities, they also highlight the need for systemic changes that would ease the burdens of unpaid care work, allowing more voices to thrive in the political arena. Without addressing these challenges, the path toward a balanced and representative government remains obstructed, echoing the sentiments that diversity is not just beneficial, but fundamental for effective governance.