Celebrating Women MPs in Parliament

Photographed by Beatrice Updegraff

Lisa Nandy has served as the Labour MP for Wigan since 2010 and has been the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport since 2024 – or, as Lisa referred to it, in charge of the fun bits!

I met Lisa on what might have been one of the worst dates possible for a photoshoot – the day of Storm Goretti. Despite Baltic temperatures and inclement rain, she cheerfully joked about the authentic Northern weather that we were being blessed with. Little remarks like this were truly indicative of how much of a proud Northerner Lisa is. Throughout our photoshoot, she greeted every constituent she met, exemplifying the wonderful stereotypical Northern friendliness which I (as a Southerner) often envy.

We visited several locations throughout our time together – for me, each of these different spaces represented Lisa as a person and as an MP (a role she is clearly so passionate about). We shot photos in a black box theatre as a nod to Lisa’s role as Culture Secretary. We also visited the inside of an old mill, honouring the industrial roots of her constituency.

Our chosen photo, however, is taken on a lock; with a backdrop of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, redbrick buildings and authentic Northern rain on her blouse, there’s simply nowhere else in the world this could have been taken except for Wigan. And I really got the impression there’s nowhere else that Lisa would rather be.

@someoneimettoday/www.someoneimettoday.com  

Photographed by Jenny Owen LRPS

Samantha was elected as the Labour MP for South Derbyshire in July 2024, becoming the first female Labour representative to serve the constituency. With more than twenty years’ experience in the data and information technology sector, she brought deep professional insight to politics and, in 2023, founded Labour: Women in Tech. Through this initiative, she has championed policies designed to widen access to education, skills and career opportunities in science and technology for girls and women. 

The portrait shoot was carefully planned with the support of Samantha’s office, and several potential locations were considered. On the day itself, heavy rain made an outdoor shoot impractical, so we gathered instead at Creative Melbourne Gallery on a late November afternoon. The timing worked well, as Samantha was due to remain in Melbourne to take part in the filming of a music video with local band Horthworld, a project in support of men’s mental health. 

The gallery’s manager, Sharon Brown, was exceptionally helpful, patiently assisting us in rearranging furniture and artwork and sourcing studio lighting for the shoot. It was clear that Samantha had a strong, established relationship with both Sharon and the gallery. Holding the session there highlighted her genuine enthusiasm for local arts, creativity and community-led projects. 

As a result, the shoot became a collaborative effort, involving everyone present. This spirit of teamwork closely reflects Samantha herself, approachable, energetic and good-humoured, with a clear commitment to working alongside others to support her community. 

@jennyowenphoto

Photographed by Natalie Persoglio ARPS

Charlotte Nichols has been the Labour MP for Warrington North since December 2019, securing a renewed mandate in the 2024 election. A graduate of the University of Liverpool, she began her career with grassroots trade union work for USDAW and later the GMB, advocating for better pay and conditions for workers at Amazon, Asda and logistics depots in Warrington. In Parliament, Charlotte has built a reputation as an active and principled voice. She served briefly as shadow minister for women and equalities in 2020–21, and contributed to several select committees, including Business and Trade, European scrutiny and statutory instruments.

She introduced the Transport Disabled Passenger Charter Bill in 2021 as a private member’s bill, aiming to strengthen rights for disabled passengers—a goal that received cross-party support. Since returning to the government benches in 2024, she is the spokesperson for the Speaker’s Committee for IPSA and co-chairs All Party Parliamentary Groups on nuclear energy, pubs and video games and esports. She also contributes to all-party groups on interfaith dialogue, British Sign Language and disability rights.

Locally, Charlotte is a strong advocate for Warrington. In 2025, she raised concerns about delays in opening a new special school for children with autism and SEND, urging greater government accountability. She continues to push for better funding and reforms to support families, often working alongside fellow local MP Sarah Hall.

instagram.com/natpersogliophotos

Photographed by Tamsyn Warde

Caroline Nokes has had a significant political career since being elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North in 2010. Over the years, she has held several important government positions and has been recognised for her work on equality, immigration, and public services. She served as Minister of State for Immigration between 2018 and 2019, where she helped oversee immigration policy and reforms during a challenging period for the Home Office. Earlier in her career, she also worked in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Office, gaining experience in welfare delivery and government efficiency.

One of Caroline Nokes’ most notable achievements was serving as Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee from 2020 to 2024. In this role, she led inquiries into issues such as gender equality, disability rights, workplace discrimination, and support for autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities. Her leadership helped raise awareness of social inequalities and encouraged debate on improving fairness in society.

In 2024, she was elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, reflecting the respect she has earned across Parliament. This portrait shows Caroline standing in The New Forest behind her house. It signifies her connection to the local countryside and the pride she feels in wearing the Deputy Speaker’s robe.

tamsynwarde.com / @tamsyn_warde

Photographed by Julie Derbyshire ARPS

Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park. I met Sarah Olney in a local park on a sunny spring morning during a brief break between her constituency meetings. Sarah has served as Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, south west London, since 2019 (and previously between 2016 and 2017). She has always been a resolute advocate for the precious green spaces of London’s urban sprawl so it seemed fitting to photograph her outside on the open grass.

I asked Sarah what issues she felt particularly passionate about and she honed in on the word ‘inclusion’, she is a strong proponent of offering opportunity and voice to all, whatever a person’s background, age, gender etc. She gave her enthusiastic support for the 40% project. When first entering parliament she was the sole female Liberal Democrat MP, now they outnumber male MPs within the party, so progress is being made.

Photographed by Georgina Hood

Melanie Onn is the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, elected as part of the Labour landslide of July 2024 and the first woman to represent the newly expanded constituency. Born and raised in Grimsby, Melanie previously represented the town between 2015 and 2019 and served as Shadow Housing Minister between 2017 and 2019.

Melanie has worked in senior roles at Renewable UK as well as the trade union UNISON. These experiences shaped her passion for energy security, decent housing and strong rights for working people.

As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care and Co Chair of the Fisheries APPG, she continues to champion issues that matter deeply to coastal communities. Her ambition as MP is to restore pride in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes with a focus on community renewal.

The photographs from the shoot capture a relaxed and genuine moment. There were plenty of laughs and smiles as Melanie got stuck in and helped pot some plants at the oasis community garden in Grimsby, a place where the door is always open and the kettle always on for people of all ages.

The 40 percent project means a great deal to me as well, because increasing women’s representation in politics is not only a milestone but a responsibility. Celebrating a record number of women in Parliament matters. It reminds us how far we have come and how determined we must be to ensure that our politics finally reflects the people it serves.

www.ginnysphotography.co.uk 

Photographed by Michaela Simpson

Dame Chi Onwurah is a member of the Labour Party and has served as an MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West (previously Newcastle Upon Tyne Central) from 2010 to 2024. With an Imperial College London degree in electrical engineering and a Manchester Business School MBA she sits as the Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. In 2018 Chi was added to the Computer Weekly “Most influential Women in UK IT” and in 2020 was made an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association.

I was delighted that Chi was able to take time out of her busy schedule to have her portrait taken. We agreed to meet at her constituency office beforehand but on the day of our February shoot the light levels indoors were pretty dark and Chi was happy to head outside so that we could find some better light. I was shooting film on my Olympus OM1 and 85mm f2 lens with Tri-X. Chi is a keen photographer and owns an OM1 - we had a lively discussion on this beautiful equipment. 

It was bitterly cold with a northerly wind whipping through the lanes of central Newcastle. We worked quickly and tried two or three locations nearby, finding shelter where we could.  This image was the last of the roll I shot that day and the one I feel captures her warmth, strength and quiet intelligence.

simpson-studios.com / @simpsonstudios35mm

Photographed by Maria Akore

Abena was first elected as the Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead in 2019 and re-elected in 2024. She is currently the Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Private Secretary. She has held multiple high‑profile roles, including the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health and Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury.

Prior to Parliament, Abena served as a councillor for Erith on Bexley Council where she was Deputy Leader of the Labour Group.  She has also served as chair of the Labour Women's Network.

Abena is also one of the first female MPs of Ghanaian descent in the UK Parliament, a remarkable achievement and inspiring story of perseverance and determination.

The shoot took place at Severndroog Castle in her constituency, a popular community landmark known for its panoramic views of London, a fitting location reflecting Abena’s strong connection to the community she proudly serves. The morning was filled with laughter, and Abena, along with her two assistants, made the entire experience relaxed, enjoyable, and genuinely fun. It’s clear she is loved by her team, and I’m sure by her constituency too. She’s approachable, thoughtful, and truly listens. Even with a busy schedule, she made time to chat with locals and have her photograph taken with the café owner before heading off to her next commitment.

@mariaakorephotography

Photographed by Louise Knaresborough LRPS

I met Kate on a lovely July day outside Jarrow Town Hall in the centre of Jarrow, a very traditional town of the south banks of the River Tyne, known for its industrial heritage and the famous Jarrow march.

As we started the shoot we were heckled by a few drinkers from the pub opposite, unfortunately a common occurrence for her, which just highlighted to me the resilience required to serve as a MP particularly as a woman and as member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Kate has a long history with the trade unions and Labour Party. She is a strong and passionate activist for the LGBTQ + community of which she is incredibly proud to be a member. She is also committed to her constituency and actively fights for increased community benefits, economic growth, and job creation in the region. As chair of the North East All Party Parliamentary Group, she works to provide a strong and unified voice for all North East constituencies.

Kate was very accommodating and we took photographs at several locations, but eventually settled on the one next to the memorial to Ellen Wilkison and the Jarrow Marchers. Wilkison was the MP for Jarrow during the march and was an advocate for workers' rights in the North East, making this backdrop particularly fitting for the portrait.

LVKstudios.com / @lvkstudiosphotography

Photographed by Churnet Pieters

I met Sarah Owen MP for the Labour Party at the very heart of British politics, inside the Palace of Westminster, for our long awaited portrait session. Our original plan had been to meet in her constituency of Luton North, but last minute diary changes brought us to Parliament itself.

When we met, Sarah greeted me warmly in the lobby of Portcullis House, and from that moment the session felt easy, joyful and full of life. Sarah has previously taken part in the Women in Parliament campaign, and speaking with her revealed how deeply politics runs in her family. Her paternal grandmother worked in the Cabinet War Rooms and remained a committed Labour campaigner into her nineties. Her maternal grandmother, now also in her nineties, is, in Sarah’s words, “one of the strongest and most formidable people I’ve ever known,” having survived serious illness with remarkable resilience.

Elected in 2019 whilst seven and a half months pregnant, Sarah campaigned on the brink of motherhood. She spoke powerfully about canvassing while visibly pregnant and the impact that had on other women. She recalled delivering an important speech in Parliament while feeling her daughter kick. It was a moment that captured why she chose to stand, to create more opportunity, equality and hope for the next generation. Sarah is clear that progress is never guaranteed. “Progress is not inevitable,” she told me. “No one hands it to you on a plate.”

I photographed her in the historic Lord Mountbatten Room, where tradition met warmth, laughter and ease. Passing the MPs’ children’s holiday club, she proudly pointed out her daughter inside. It was a quiet reminder of all the women shaping Parliament today as politicians and mothers.

My intention was to capture Sarah’s warmth, resilience and quiet authority. She’s a woman driven by justice, shaped by family, and committed to protecting progress.

www.photographybychurnet.com  / @photographybychurnet

Photographed by Clare Park

Rebecca Paul was elected as Conservative MP for the Reigate constituency in the July 2024 General Election. She has been a county councillor since May 2021 and is very much part of the local community.

For this photograph, I wanted the simplicity of a daylight studio portrait. I also hoped to find a symbol connecting disparate aspects of Rebecca’s life. Given that she founded the Silver Lantern Tea Company in 2012 and as tea is synonymous with community life, we agreed that a teacup would be a simple but effective photographic prop. Tea is a cultural touchstone and sharing a cup of tea can break barriers and open conversations. We also experimented with a more metaphorical image, incorporating branches from an oak tree, to highlight the importance of oaks to our region’s identity and heritage and its ecological status as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Rebecca has both empathy and courage. I particularly applaud the way she has focused attention on wide-ranging issues with in the social care system. I have had personal experience of the fragmented nature of this system, and have worked on several long-term photographic projects about health and end of life. During the photoshoot we discussed these matters in some depth, and I felt I was being ‘heard’.

Rebecca is an active campaigner on issues that matter to those of us living in the Surrey Hills, delivering speeches in an openhearted manner and galvanising her constituents to take action. In 2022, she launched a 'fairer road funding' campaign to fix Surrey's roads and presented a petition signed by nearly 6000 residents to No 10 Downing Street. The positive effects of this campaign are now evident and much appreciated.

In the short time we had together, I tried to capture something of Rebecca’s direct yet sympathetic character. This is the image we selected.

https://www.clarepark.com/

Photographed by Karen Yeomans

As Labour MP for Barnsley South and the UK’s Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock holds one of the most influential roles in shaping how the nation engages with physical activity, participation, and representation. With her background in education and long-standing advocacy for equality and opportunity, she brings a grounded understanding of the social power of sport, a mission that resonates deeply with my own work behind the lens.

During our shoot, we spoke about the importance of representation not only on the pitch but also behind the scenes, including those who document and shape how sport is seen. We discussed the progress being made and the continued need to ensure that opportunity, respect, and fair pay extend to all who contribute to the storytelling of sport, sharing an optimism that this next chapter will be one of genuine inclusion.

For me, photographing Stephanie was an opportunity to portray a pivotal figure in the political landscape of British sport, to humanise policy and reveal the person behind the portfolio. Her commitment to accessibility, fairness, and opportunity reflects the same values that drive my own practice: a belief that sport, in every sense, should be open to everyone.

www.karenyeomans.com / @karen_yeomans / linkedin.com/in/karenyeomans1

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Manuela is very involved in her community encouraging and supporting local artists so her suggestion of meeting in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre made good sense. We tried out several locations in the Theatre with some good results but it is this picture that spoke the loudest to her. Throughout her career in Higher Education, Council work and now as a Liberal Democrat MP she has always put people first.

After we’d finished she was going into a meeting about the Erasmus + project supporting education, training, youth and sport throughout Europe.

@deerobinsonphotographer / deirdrerobinsonphotography.com/

Photographed by Karen Yeomans

Jess Phillips is one of the most outspoken and recognisable figures in British politics, a Labour MP, author, feminist and campaigner defined by her relentless commitment to speaking truth to power, especially for women and girls. Elected as the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley in 2015, Jess has become a fearless advocate for voices too often overlooked.

Her roots in Yardley run deep, both her parents were christened at St Edburgha’s Church, where we spent an hour together among the stillness of the churchyard, talking about our lives as I made her portrait. She has long championed women, children and marginalised communities, pushing for systemic change around domestic abuse, coercive control and the institutional failures that leave women unprotected. In the Commons, Jess speaks with boldness and clarity. Each year she reads aloud the names of every woman in the UK killed by a man, recorded by the Counting Dead Women project, turning statistics into stories, grief into action. She has served on the Women and Equalities Committee and consistently holds government to account for inaction on violence against women.

Her speeches are raw, authentic and deeply human. Despite facing abuse and threats, Jess remains undeterred, driven by a belief that politics must always be about people, their safety, dignity and equality. My portrait of Jess aims to reflect that conviction: the grace and gravity she brings as an MP, feminist and voice for her community.

www.karenyeomans.com / @karen_yeomans / linkedin.com/karenyeomans1

Photographed by Tracey Ann Ainsley

Bridget Phillipson is Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South. Having big responsibilities as Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, it proved very difficult getting in touch. Staff interns changed and leaving a message with her office still didn't work. Then as luck would have it, I attended a county fair and spoke to Sam Rushworth MP for Bishop Auckland and he got me invited to Bridget's launch for deputy Leader in Sunderland the following day.

I got there early to get a prime seat. Bridget had her teacher talk about her as a young woman where she could see her potential then. When Bridget spoke, she was passionate, talking of her background being born in Gateshead, one of the most deprived areas in the country. That didn’t stop her in her education, attending Oxford University.

Her mother started a refuge for women escaping from domestic violence in Sunderland which Bridget was passionate about and worked there after completing her degree. At the event the press and supporters were clamouring for her attention, so I had only a short time with her which she had been briefed about. We didn’t have time to talk because she was then pulled away to be filmed, I assumed for the news.

@wpcthunderbird

Photographed by Marge Bradshaw

Jo Platt, Labour MP for Leigh and Atherton. Jo Platt is the current Member of Parliament for Leigh and Atherton, having made her return to Parliament in 2024.

She originally became Leigh’s first female MP in 2017, serving until 2019 when she lost her seat to Conservative candidate James Grundy.

After her initial tenure in Parliament, Jo dedicated her efforts to the Leigh Building Preservation Trust, working at the historic Leigh Spinners Mill, a Grade II* listed building in the centre of Leigh. This role allowed Jo to combine her passions for heritage and regeneration. As General Manager, she oversaw the renovation of the mill, transforming it into a vibrant hub for heritage, small businesses, social enterprises, and the arts.

In 2024, Jo made a triumphant return to Parliament, reclaiming the newly formed Leigh and Atherton seat from the Conservative Party. Jo is an active member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the Public Bill Committee. She is currently focused on scrutinising the Crime and Policing Bill, a significant piece of legislation addressing issues such as knife crime, violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, retail crime, serious and organised crime, fraud, theft, public order, terrorism, and sexual offences.

Additionally, Jo is an officer of several All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), including those on Women’s Health, ME, Greater Manchester and Long Covid. Jo is deeply committed to revitalising towns like Leigh and Atherton, working tirelessly to improve town centre safety, to clean up local highstreets, and to bring vacant properties back into use. (Photo taken at Pennington Flash, the jewel in the crown of the Leigh and Atherton constituency)

margebradshawphotography.co.uk / @margebradshawphoto

Photographed by Sue Wright

Sarah Pochin is the Member of Parliament for Runcorn and Helsby, representing the Reform Party. Before entering Parliament, she worked in policing and local government.

Photographing Sarah at Westminster was another reminder that the 40% Project sits beyond party lines. The purpose of these portraits is not to reflect opinion, but to create a visual record of this moment in Parliament’s history.

We chose the courtyard framed by winter trees and Gothic stone, allowing the architecture to give a sense of place without overwhelming the image. Sarah was relaxed and professional, clearly comfortable in the surroundings. The simplicity of her dark dress against the pale stone created a clean, confident portrait.

What continues to strike me with this project is how each sitting adds another piece to the larger story. My aim is always to photograph the person rather than the politics around them. Together, these portraits form a growing archive marking the moment when women hold just over 40% of seats in Parliament.

@suewrightuppington/ 

Photographed by Alice Armstrong

Lucy Powell is the Labour MP for Manchester Central. Her career and politics are deeply shaped by her lifelong connection to the city she represents having being born and grown up in the city. Elected in 2012, Lucy has served in a range of roles, including Leader of the House of Commons and now Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for opportunity, fairness, and investment in northern communities. Her involvement in the 40% Project parallels with her organisation of the first official photograph of the female members of parliament after the 2024 general election.

Lucy chose to have her portrait taken at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. A lifelong supporter and season ticket holder, the location reflects her personal roots in the city and the sense of belonging, pride, and shared identity that football brings to Manchester’s communities.

@alicelarmstrong

Photographed by Marge Bradshaw

Yasmin Qureshi MP Labour has represented Bolton South and Walkden since July 2024, having previously been the MP for Bolton South East from 2010 until the boundaries changed in 2024. She was one of the first three female Muslim MPs elected to Parliament, having previously worked as a Crown Prosecutor and Barrister. In her career prior to entering Parliament, Yasmin worked for the United Nations, leading efforts to rebuild the legal system in Kosovo following the conflict in the Balkans and during its administration by the UN.

Yasmin chose to have photographs taken at Moses Gate Country Park in her constituency as it holds a special place in her heart and it will also benefit from significant investment as part of a growing understanding that northern towns feel left behind. Yasmin was a carer for both her mum and her brother before they passed away, and spoke often about her happy memories taking them to Moses Gate, walking around the lake and having an ice cream. Her passion for fairness and justice really shines through her work but also her personality.

As Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, she works closely to help strengthen emerging democracies, which she balances alongside the work she has done for 15 years as a hard-working constituency MP, fighting for her constituents every single day. Yasmin is also the UK Trade Envoy to Egypt, working closely with both the UK and Egyptian government to strengthen ties and trade between the two nations.

www.margebradshawphotography.co.uk/