New Green MP calls for tolerance and inclusivity in first Commons speech

"Four weeks ago today I was in college, a plumber learning how to plaster, and today I'm in parliament, as an MP. And being here is the honour of my life. But I don't want this to be unusual or exceptional. I truly believe that anyone doing a job like mine should get a seat on these benches."

"To the girls who I saw photos of who went to school on International Women's Day dressed as Hannah the plumber in their overalls, spanners, and trademark hair. To the women in my life who've had my back, who've fought for equality alongside me, and to the men that I work with—especially the lads on my plastering course."

Hannah Spencer, the Green MP elected in the Gorton and Denton byelection, delivered her first Commons speech emphasizing tolerance, inclusivity, and greater parliamentary representation for people from manual working backgrounds. She highlighted her rapid transition from college plumber to MP, stressing this should not be unusual. Spencer referenced children dressing as "Hannah the plumber" on International Women's Day, using this as an example of breaking traditional barriers. She committed to representing diverse constituency groups including working-class communities, women, veterans, and marginalized populations. Her victory overturned a 13,000 Labour majority and pushed the governing party to third place, signaling significant shifts in voter preferences.

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