Celebrating Women MPs in Parliament

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Shivani Raja at 29 was the youngest Conservative MP and only put her name forward to be considered for the Leicester East 10 days after the 2024 election was announced. As she said I couldn’t have an outsider parachuted from head office into Leicester to fight this election. I am born and bred here I’ve been bought up on these streets, I know them.

After only 30 days of campaigning she and her team of volunteers secured the seat of Leicester East. Quite a feat; the first Conservative MP is nearly 4 decades.

Now as a new mother Raja hopes that young people will be inspired to get involved with politics after seeing her do it. “I’ve had so many young people come up to me saying they’ve taken an interest in politics and that they would like to become members of the Conservative Party.”

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Allie Crewe ARPS

Angela Rayner MP for Ashton Under Lyne. This portrait of Angela Rayner was commissioned by the Royal Photographic Society to mark a historic moment: women making up 40% of MPs in Parliament for the first time.

Angela was a joy to work with — astonishingly genuine, professional, poised and powerful. It is rare, and quietly moving, to encounter a woman who carries all of these qualities without performance or pretence. She told me she dislikes being in front of the camera, yet she agreed to sit for this portrait with grace. When I asked what emotion she wished to offer, she replied, “Just myself.”

It was grey and cold outside, but inside her living room the atmosphere was spirited, grounded and resolute — a reflection of the woman herself.

May she rise!

www.allie-crewe.uk 

Photographed by Eve Milner ARPS

Solicitor General, and MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich in London, Ellie Reeves was born and bred within her constituency. She has been a member of the Labour Party all her voting life, and has campaigned ceaselessly for social justice, public services and equality. An employment rights lawyer for over 10 years, she ultimately set up her own business providing help to working mums and women facing maternity discrimination.

Before meeting, I had asked Ellie to choose a location for our shoot which meant something personal to her, and her reply was quick and clear: ‘The Horniman Museum is an iconic part of my constituency and I love going there with my family.’

It was a bleak, grey, rainy morning when we met at The Horniman Museum for a 30-minute shoot. Knowing how time-pressured the shoot was likely to be, I had reconnoitred the Museum an hour beforehand, quickly short-listing in my mind possible locations which were not crowded, where the light was not too gloomy, where the background was recognisably ‘Horniman’.

Anxious about all these uncontrollable variables, it was a huge relief when Ellie arrived with such warmth of greeting, a smile which brightened the whole day, and the confession that she hates having her photograph taken! We quickly got into a cheerful, collaborative mood, however, in none of my pre-shoot research had I registered that Ellie is in fact a good 10cms taller than me! To avoid it appearing that she might be ‘looking down her nose’ at the viewer, I stood precariously on a chair, with the Museum’s Press Secretary guarding me from falling, to everyone’s great amusement.

I hope Ellie feels that this portrait we made together shows her as the warm, bright, approachable human being I saw – absolutely someone you would want to have in your corner.

@evemilnerphotography

Photographed by Sue Wright

Meeting Rachel Reeves in Leeds was a real privilege. We met at the Leeds Corn Exchange, a beautiful historic building that also holds personal meaning for Rachel, as it’s where she held her wedding reception.

She clearly felt the project was important and had made the time in her schedule to take part, which meant a lot. From the moment we met, she was warm and engaging, and so generous with her time. There was an immediate ease to the session, which made it feel relaxed and genuinely enjoyable to photograph.

We worked on the balcony inside the Corn Exchange, where the sweeping curves and layered shopfronts create such a striking backdrop. I love how, in the final portrait, Rachel is looking upwards, with the space opening out behind her — it feels both thoughtful and forward-looking.

During our time together, we touched on how important The 40% Project is in recognising this moment — with women now making up such a significant proportion of Parliament — and how valuable that visibility is for younger generations. Being able to see women in these roles helps reinforce the idea that they can be anything they aspire to be, something that hasn’t always been there.

As the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, she holds one of the most demanding roles in government, often under intense scrutiny, and it was clear she carries that responsibility with real strength. I felt incredibly proud to photograph her for this project.

It’s one of those shoots I’ll remember for a long time.

@suewrightuppington

Photographed by Heather Kerr LRPS

Having met Joani through my husband's involvement in her campaign to be elected as MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, I found her to be enthusiastic, personable and caring. Her commitment to improving people's lives is clear and she has been working tirelessly to make changes to do just that. As a young mum she understands the difficulties in balancing a career and raising a family.

I was delighted to get involved with this project and pleased that Joani was happy to do so also. I gave Joani options for the shoot to fit in with a busy schedule. She opted for the local country park (Calderglen) in East Kilbride between visiting a wind farm (of which there are several), and an important media interview.

The image I have chosen is my favourite, as it reflects how I see her as a lovely person with an approachable personality. I'm delighted to have made a contribution to this historic moment in politics.

strathavencameraclub.co.uk

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for High Wycombe. I met Emma at High Wycombe Lido a wonderful open air pool built in the 50’s. We got chatting and I found out that one of Emma’s hobbies is swimming so the idea I had of asking her to sit in the lifeguard’s chair seemed a good choice. During the shoot she was recognised by some of the swimmers in the pool, she’s very much part of the community Emma was previously the MP for Wolverhampton North East between 2010 and 2019 then became the first Labour MP for High Wycombe in 2024 with a majority of over 4500.

She was a joy to photograph and was up for some of my sillier suggestions.

@deerobinsonphotographer / deirdrerobinsonphotography.com/

Photographed by Elizabeth Roberts

Bell, an elected MP for Labour, since 2019, represents Clapham and Brixton Hill. We discussed the portrait at an initial informal meeting and Bell concluded that she would prefer her portrait to be environmental, and made outside the council flats where she grew up, alongside other immigrant families, in Saxby Road, Brixton.

Bell is a success story and something of which her mother and late father, are immensely proud. On the day of the shoot, minutes beforehand, hilariously there was a huge and unexpected thunderstorm and deluge of rain. This did not deter us and in fact, the rain water, illuminated beautifully the red bricks of the building.

Talking to Bell, I found her to be professional, dedicated and passionate about caring for the many issues and needs of her constituents. In addition to these attributes, as a person, she is kind and a lot of fun. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Bell.

@elizabeth_r25

Photographed by Jayne Odell FRPS

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter is the Labour MP for Suffolk Coastal. Local issues are personal priorities for Jenny and she is very proud to serve the constituency she grew up in. I photographed Jenny by the River Deben in beautiful Woodbridge, Suffolk, in early June – a stone’s throw from the place she lives and was brought up.

It was very clear from chatting to Jenny just how emotionally connected and passionate she is about serving her local area. She enthusiastically explained how she loves to spend time outside and walking her dog by the river and also enjoying some kayaking.

When I asked Jenny her favourite part about her job, she told me that she enjoys all aspects of her role but particularly visiting schools.

www.jayneodell.com/

Photographed by Beatrice Updegraff

Lucy Rigby has served as the Labour MP for Northampton North since July 2024 and is currently the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

I met Lucy on a very rainy and windy day in her home constituency for the 40% project photoshoot. The location felt particularly apt; the purpose of this project is to celebrate and commemorate women’s powerful and historic presence in the UK government. The portrait of Lucy submitted is taken outside of the beautiful arches of the Northampton Guildhall where inside, there is a statue of Margaret Bondfield. Margaret Bondfield was a pioneering Labour politician and trade unionist who became Britain’s first female Cabinet minister in 1929.

Like Lucy, Margaret Bondfield also served as an MP for Northampton and was a member of the Labour Party. Not only did this setting add a special historical element, it was also a privilege to visit Northampton and see Lucy’s home constituency through her eyes. She clearly champions the town and all it has to offer.

I accompanied her on her weekly venture “Small Business Saturday”; together with her lovely aide Ellie, we visited a list of independent cafes and shops along the high-street where Lucy is a regular. This was a brilliant insight into her relationship with the constituency she serves.

Lucy is not only an MP, but a supportive member of the Northampton community – and I can verify she truly knows where to get the best red velvet cake in town.

www.someoneimettoday.com / @someoneimettoday

Photographed by Allie Crewe MA ARPS

It was a pleasure to meet Sarah Russell in a park— a green space that she cherishes, and which she later left to walk with us to the town hall. In that informal setting her genuine warmth, sense of place and commitment to the local community were beautifully evident.Solicitor, Sarah Russell became Labour Member of Parliament for Congleton in July 2024, marking a historic moment as the first Labour MP to represent the seat.

During our meeting, that passion for the local community came through clearly: from the way she spoke about community spaces. Her maiden speech in the House underlined this: highlighting not just the beauty of the rolling countryside and historic towns she now serves, but the work of everyday people contributing to their communities.

It’s a warm reminder that politics is ultimately about people, place and purpose.

www.allie-crewe.uk 

Photographed by Scarlet Page

I photographed Anna, Liberal Democrat MP for Frome on a Friday afternoon in mid-September. The weather had been threatening rain all week, but we had a few location options planned around the town’s beautiful and characterful streets. I was particularly keen to capture something outdoors, an image that felt rooted in Frome itself.

Anna arrived full of magnetic energy. For this portrait, I wanted to focus on a ‘being’ gaze, something grounded and present, neither overly emotional nor performative, just engaging and real. We wandered up Catherine Hill, and although I like to think I’m pretty fit, I found myself slightly out of breath keeping up! We worked quickly and made it to all of our locations, but the image I chose in the end stood out for its simplicity: Anna in front of a local notice board, Frome’s lively spirit subtly present behind her, while she shines calmly in the foreground.

scarletpage.com / @scarletpage

Photographed by Sarah Louise Ramsay

On a bleak, rain-soaked January day, we met outside Barnet Court in Sarah Sackman’s constituency, intending to photograph her on the surrounding streets. With foresight, she suggested an alternative nearby location: The Phoenix, an old cinema. It proved the perfect setting — an unexpected pocket of glamour away from the grey weather outside. Warm, friendly and accommodating, she was a pleasure to photograph and revealed during the shoot that she had once taken to the stage as a student.

At the 2024 general election, Sarah Sackman KC was reselected as Labour candidate for Finchley and Golders Green. Her campaign focused on housing, community cohesion and the local environment, supporting small businesses through proposals to cut business rates and freeze energy prices. She emphasised investment in skills and targeted grants to create employment for unemployed young people.

In public services, she called for increased NHS funding, a new system of care for older people and more police officers returning to neighbourhood policing. Called to the Bar in 2008, Sackman practised at Francis Taylor Building and Matrix Chambers, specialising in public, election, planning, environmental and rating law. She served as Solicitor General from July to December 2024 and was later appointed Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice, introducing reforms to modernise the justice system with victims in mind. Representing a diverse constituency, she champions community cohesion and interfaith projects, and is known for calling out antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Her portrait forms part of The 40% Project, led by the Royal Photographic Society’s Women in Photography group, celebrating the record 40% of women MPs elected in 2024.

https://www.slrphotography.co.uk  @sarahlouiseramsay_photography

Photographed by Scarlet Page

Roz Savage Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds. Shot on the edge of Cricklade, my session with Roz Savage took place under moody skies.

The rare snake’s head fritillary we came to see hadn’t made its expected appearance; you could almost count them on one hand. With no real meadow in bloom, the reeds became our stand-in. It suited Roz, who once rowed solo across three oceans.

A short walk and warm intros from the women-led science team gave context to the land and its shifting story.

www.scarletpage.com / @scarletpage

Photographed by Rae Seaman

After a failed first attempt to meet Liz due to flooding and landslides, I managed to cross snow-covered mountain roads to reach her home community of Morfa Nefyn. The wind coming off the Irish Sea made our clifftop walk a bracing one. From the headland above Porth Nefyn, Liz pointed out the three peaks of Yr Eifl and the Bronze Age hillforts that crown so many of the surrounding summits.

Born in London, Liz moved to Aberystwyth to undertake a Celtic Studies degree, becoming fluent in Welsh and Irish. After a brief return to London for journalism training, Wales drew her back for good. She settled on Pen Llŷn in the early 1990’s, later marrying her husband Dewi and raising their two daughters.

Her career in Welsh medium further education and local journalism eventually led her into public service, first as a Gwynedd County Councillor for Morfa Nefyn from 2004 to 2015, and later as the first woman to represent Dwyfor Meirionnydd in Parliament when she was elected MP in 2015.

As we walked, Liz shared stories of the region’s deep history and its unrealised connection to Ireland. She pointed out the unusually straight roads built during the 19th century contest between Porthdinllaen and Holyhead for the Irish mail route, an honour that ultimately went to Holyhead. Her affection for the landscape, its heritage, and its communities was unmistakable.

searaephotography.com / @sea_rae_photography

Photographed by Jacqui Shepherd

Michelle Scrogham has served as the Labour MP for Barrow and Furness since 2024. Her Cumbrian constituency spans contrasts, from the Royal port town of Barrow-in-Furness, traditional market towns, rural areas within the Lake District, to coastal West Cumbria. Barrow’s long heritage in steelmaking and shipbuilding continues today through the BAE Systems shipyard, which produces nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy.

Michelle grew up and lives in Ulverston. When I asked how it felt to be the MP for her own community, she quickly replied, “I can’t imagine doing it anywhere else.” She is not a career politician and describes representing her community as the honour of her life. Before Parliament, she served as a Town Councillor, Mayor and head of the Ulverston Business Improvement District, building a high street business she founded with her sister in 2005. She began her career in banking, where she became active in union work and later represented the North West region as an accredited representative and chair. Proud of her area’s role in defence, she now serves on the Defence Committee.

She lives with her husband Graham, whom she married in 1991, and they have two children, Laura and Karl. Meeting at Ulverston Station, we visited places important to Michelle, including her childhood home, the canal overlooking Morecambe Bay and Ulverston High Street. Michelle truly is committed to her promise of local representation, by delivering investment and economic growth to business and industry, prioritising community safety, and improvements to health and social care.

www.jacquisheph 

Photographed by Mary Crowther ARPS

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West. As we wandered deciding on locations in Bradford it was clear how much the people of Bradford appreciated Naz Shah and how genuine and warm she was as a perso

Naz Shah MP has been a Member of Parliament continually since May 2015 and allowed me to intrude into her very busy schedule.

When we met on location and preparing for the shoot, we spoke about the WIP 40% project itself, but I wanted to know more about the Naz Shah MP and beyond. 

We often hear about the local politics, I wanted to know about what she felt was one of her most successful achievements in politics, how she fit her work and family life balance around all of this. Naz was more than obliging, although I had heard about ‘The Burial Amendment’ during the Covid Emergency, which secured burial rights for Muslims and Jews, I was not aware it was Naz Shah that championed and brought this to the fore.

Balancing her work and family life, Naz loves nothing more than going on a family walk, some cooking together and maybe catching an old classic family movie. If by any slightest chance, there is any spare time for herself she is most likely to be found deep in a good book or binge watching a Netflix series.

I hope this portrait of Naz Shah gives a powerful message, strong in mind and body, and invested in the people of her community.

@photobox50

Photographed by Julie Bélanger

Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate. I met Tulip in one of my favourite places in London—Hampstead Heath, the jewel of her constituency and her chosen location for the portrait. As we walked near Kenwood House, she smiled and confessed she sometimes still can’t quite believe she’s the MP for such a beautiful place.

I wanted to reflect her deep connection to the Heath—how it’s not just her backdrop, but a part of her. In the midday sun, we found shade by Kenwood House, where the lush parkland was reflected in the window behind her. That quiet blend—Tulip and nature—felt like the perfect composition.

As we spoke, she shared what drew her into politics: the NHS saving her father’s life, her fight to make local streets safer amid rising knife crime, and her heartbreak over the impact of Brexit on her diverse community. We also spoke about the personal cost of public service—how being an MP and a mother of two young children means navigating a system still not built for women. 

I left our time together reminded of the extraordinary commitment women MPs bring to their work—often at great personal sacrifice—and how much richer our democracy is for it.

www.juliebelanger.uk / www.instagram.com/belangerju

Photographed by Sue Macpherson ARPS

Vikki Slade is the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, and was elected in 2024 having previously worked in the charity sector and for the NHS before she was elected Leader of BCP Council in 2019 where she led the community through the Covid crisis. When planning the photoshoot we decided that Upton Heath would be a suitable venue. Vikki described it as her ‘happy place’, a place where she can reflect and unwind. Prior to our meeting I visited the area and was attracted to the canopy of trees and the beautiful avenue through the woods where people were cycling and walking. I was also interested in the old railway bridge that spanned the footpath as a possibly interesting backdrop. The graffiti on the stone walls added a contrasting, urban edge to the natural surroundings, mirroring the diverse challenges of representing a varied constituency. It was a beautiful Saturday morning when I met Vikki. She was dressed in a vibrant orange top that stood out well against the green of the woods. It was obvious that she had an incredibly busy weekend. Having left the House of Commons on Friday afternoon she had driven straight to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice celebrations and then home by dawn. She was generous with her time even though she had other commitments straight after the photoshoot. We spent some time in each of the locations and the avenue of trees provided the most relaxed portraits.

suemacpherson.co.uk

Photographed by Natasha Bennett

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove was born and brought up in the North West, and lives in Romiley. She claims to have ‘the loveliest constituency in the UK’ and as part of her constituency is set on the edge of the Peak District it is without doubt beautiful. As someone who was brought up in Marple I’m inclined to agree. She is a Liberal Democrat MP and was elected at the last general election in 2024. She was previously elected Councillor for Bredbury Green & Romiley, and Lisa trains and mentors other councillors from around the country.

Lisa cares deeply about Hazel Grove Constituency and its people, working as an active volunteer locally. Her voluntary roles include serving as a trustee for the New Horizons, the Stockport Canal Boat Trust for disabled people and their carers in Marple, working as a volunteer for the Woodley & Romiley Towpath Team and being a trustee of the Barrack Hill Education Trust.

The photograph is shot on the Marple Locks Flight a sequence of sixteen locks on the Peak Forest Canal in Marple. This flight is one of the steepest in Britain and is a Grade II-listed historical feature. Lisa is campaigning to make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lisa is friendly and outgoing, and chatted happily to the various constituents who wanted to know what was happening with the photoshoot. Other areas Lisa is campaigning hard on are the climate emergency and the need for us to protect green space, tackle air pollution and protect wildlife. In addition she is Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs.

www.natashaphotobennett / @ tish_tash100

Photographed by Marge Bradshaw

Cat Smith MP has proudly served in Parliament for 10 years, first elected in 2015 to represent Lancaster and Fleetwood. Following the 2024 General Election and boundary changes, she now represents Lancaster and Wyre, a constituency with a rich mix of urban and rural communities. Cat’s journey into politics began in an unconventional way, dressing up as a Fairtrade banana after discovering the Fairtrade movement, a cause she felt passionately about. During her time at Lancaster University, she joined the Labour Party and was soon encouraged to stand for election.

The photographs for this project were taken at Lancaster Castle, not only an iconic landmark, but also a place offering breathtaking views across the city. Lancaster Castle is also infamous for the Pendle Witch Trials, where women who challenged norms could be accused of witchcraft and face tragic consequences. Against this historic backdrop, the campaign’s celebration of 40% of MPs now being women feels especially poignant. It marks how far we have come in empowering women to lead and shape our society. Whilst taking photos we took some shots with Cat’s three London Marathon medals.

While they are not featured in this particular photograph, they are a testament to her dedication to public service beyond politics. Over the years, she has raised thousands of pounds for local, national, and international charities through marathons and other challenges. Cat cares deeply about taking tangible action, whether it’s championing her constituents, standing up for causes she believes in, or pushing for meaningful change in Parliament.

Photographed by Sarah Young ARPS

I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Smith on a sunny day at the Yealmpton Agricultural Show, held just outside Plymstock. Elected as the Member of Parliament for the Conservative party in South West Devon in July 2024 after a hard-fought campaign, Rebecca has already made a noticeable impact in her first year.

During our time at the show, it was clear how deeply rooted she is in the community—she was frequently stopped by well-wishers and supporters, a testament to her strong local presence. South West Devon is a uniquely diverse constituency, combining both urban and rural communities.

Rebecca has shown real dedication in working to understand and support the wide range of needs across the area. In Westminster, she serves as an Opposition Junior Whip and is a member of the Shadow Department for Work and Pensions team. She is also actively involved in several parliamentary groups, including the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces, the Conservative Environment Network, the Conservative Rural Forum, and the Conservative Christian Fellowship. Rebecca is passionate about cross-party collaboration and through her work she remains a strong advocate for the people of South West Devon.

Photographed by Jacqui Shepherd

Sarah Smith was elected Labour MP for Hyndburn in 2024.

Hyndburn sits proudly between the green and the grit of East Lancashire, with a strong industrial heritage centred on its largest towns of Accrington and Oswaldtwistle. It reaches towards Haslingden in the south, Rishton to the east, and encompasses Great Harwood, Clayton-le-Moors, Altham, and Huncoat.  Accrington’s world-renowned clay-red Nori bricks are the foundation of Blackpool Tower and the Empire State Building, while Oswaldtwistle, closely linked to the textile industry, was home to Spinning Jenny inventor James Hargreaves. 

Sarah asked to meet at The Coppice, a popular park and former training area for the Accrington Pals, before they departed to the Battle of the Somme; it sits on the edge of Accrington with excellent views across the town.  We met on a beautiful spring morning and enjoyed the views as we walked and chatted. As Sarah told me how her parliamentary career began at the same time as becoming a first time mother, and that the past two years have been quite the challenge, I realised that Sarah must be made of that same kind of grit as the constituency she represents. As she spoke about local issues such as healthcare, it was obvious how passionate she is about serving her constituents and delivering the change they deserve.

In Westminster, Sarah serves on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and is focused on improving life chances for children and young people, both in Hyndburn and across the UK. 

www.jacquishepherd.co.uk/ 

Photographed by Liz Williams

Karin chose a location in her constituency that is very close to her heart, the Knowle West Healthy Living Centre. The centre backs on to a steep set of steps leading down the Northern Slopes, which afford a stunning view across south Bristol, taking in the iconic Ashton Gate stadium, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and all the way out to the rolling countryside beyond.

Karin has been a Member of Parliament since May 2015 and was appointed Minister of State for Health in July 2024 after the Labour Party’s victory in that month’s General Election. Becoming a health minister was a full-circle moment for Karin who had previously worked as a manager in the NHS before becoming an MP. Her experiences of the reforms put in place under the coalition government inspired her to stand for office and make a change. She is now playing her part in rebuilding the NHS for the short- and the long-term following the launch of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS in July 2025. As well as the wider responsibilities she holds in government, Karin promised to be a straight talking and hard working MP for Bristol South and has focused on local priorities, improving lives and reducing social inequality. Karin is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and has held an annual post-16 jobs and apprenticeship fair since 2017.

www.lizwilliamsphotography.co.uk / @liz.williamsphotography

Photographed by Alice Armstrong

Hannah Spencer MP Hannah Spencer is the Green Party MP for Gorton and Denton, elected in 2026 in a historic by-election that marked a shift in Greater Manchester’s political landscape. A plumber by trade before entering Parliament, she brings a perspective shaped by hands-on work and everyday experience of the communities she now represents. Her campaign focused on the cost of living, inequality, and the need for politics to better reflect ordinary people’s lives. She has spoken about the importance of broadening representation, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have a voice in shaping national decisions.

Hannah chose to be photographed in Cringle Park, a place she often walked her dogs while living in Levenshulme, close to Grounded Manchester CIC. The shoot was happily interrupted by passers-by, including families and children, and she took the time to stop and talk with them. She came across as genuine and approachable, clearly passionate about her role and deeply connected to the local area.

The setting reflects both that personal connection and the everyday community life at the heart of her politics.

Photographed by Katy Docking

I met Jo at her constituency office in the Roath area of Cardiff. Jo and her team were immediately welcoming. After a quick chat in the office, Jo and I headed off for the shoot and decided on Roath Park, near the iconic Scott Memorial Lighthouse as the location.

Jo was first elected in 2015 as a Labour MP for Cardiff Central. She continued to be the MP for Cardiff Central until that constituency was dissolved in 2024, at which point she was voted the MP for Cardiff East. Jo is the first female MP to represent the Cardiff East constituency. Jo is Labour’s Secretary of State for Wales and serves in Keir Starmer’s cabinet.

As we talked it was very obvious to me that Jo is very passionate about doing her best for the people who live in her diverse constituency. My shoot with Jo was brief as we were racing against time as some very big rain clouds were closing in above us. But it was lovely to meet such a passionate, hard working MP who clearly cares deeply about her constituents.

www.katydocking.com / @katydocking

Photographed by Shona Cutt

Before I met Elaine for our shoot, we had a quick video so I could find out more about her and discuss potential locations. Elaine was elected as Labour MP for Ayrshire, Carrick and Cumnock in 2024, and is driven by helping local communities through regeneration projects and supporting grass roots organisations.

A coalminer’s daughter, Elaine’s first job was in a knicker factory before spending a year in New York. On her return to Ayrshire, Elaine had a 25 year career as a youth worker, leading her into another career as a local councillor. It was important to Elaine that the location we choose for the shoot resonated with the residents of her constituency. We settled on the lighthouse on the South Pier of Ayr harbour; overlooking the vista of Ayr Bay; from Ayr Beach, out to the volcanic island of Ailsa Craig (where the stone for curling stones comes from)

I met Elaine and her assistant Brendan on a breezy and sunny September morning. Shooting in the brilliant sunshine was difficult but thanks to Brendan holding up my reflector, we created a little shade to prevent Elaine squinting. The shoot took about 30 minutes, while also chatting to a couple of fisherman catching mackerel off the pier and being watched by one curious and hungry seal.

@shonacuttphotography/

Photographed by Anneleen Lindsay

Kirsteen Sullivan was elected to serve Bathgate and Linlithgow in 2024 as a Labour and Co-operative MP. She previously served as Labour deputy leader of West Lothian Council for 7 years and worked as a business analyst prior to that. She is passionate about women’s rights and is a member of All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Endometriosis and Menopause. She states she ‘strives to bridge the gap between Westminster and the community, ensuring local priorities shape the national agenda’.

We met in the ancient town of Linlithgow, which has evidence of settlements going back to the Bronze Age. Linlithgow is steeped in history, as a residence for Scottish royalty from medieval times and later becoming a centre of the textile industry. It felt important to include some of the historic architecture, so we met by Linlithgow Palace, famously the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

I’d arrived early to scout potential spots around the surrounding parkland to do the portraits, and got caught out in a torrential rainstorm, so hid under a tree whilst the paths swiftly became rushing rivers down the steep hill toward the loch! Thankfully there was a pause in the dramatic weather and I was able to meet Kirsteen as planned.

Despite the intense rainstorm that just happened and the threatening clouds above, she was undeterred, got her heels on and happily traversed the steps and hills with me. Golden light cut through the clouds and drizzle and our persistence paid off.

www.anneleenphotography.com  / www.instagram.com/anneleenphoto 

Photographed by Sophie Ward

I had such a lovely photoshoot with Dr Lauren Sullivan Labour MP, for Gravesham, down on the beautiful Gravesend Town Pier. Lauren was an absolute joy to photograph — warm, genuine and so passionate about her work for the local community. We talked about her values of fairness, opportunity and making sure everyone in Gravesham has a voice. You can really feel her commitment to the area shining through.

The pier was the perfect setting — it’s the oldest surviving cast-iron pier in the world, first opened in 1834 and lovingly restored to keep its place as a landmark on the Thames. I love how it connects our rich history with the modern, forward-looking Gravesham that Lauren represents today.

It’s always such a pleasure photographing people who care deeply about their community — and doing it somewhere so full of local heritage made it even more special.

www.sophiephotos.com / facebook.com/sophiephotos/

Photographed by Anneleen Lindsay

Zarah Sultana, Your Party MP for Coventry South is a bold voice in UK politics, who stated ‘I didn’t enter politics to toe the line. I’m here to fight for the working class’. She consistently campaigns on social justice issues, opposing cuts to welfare and disability benefits and against the two-child benefit cap (for which she lost the party whip, becoming an Independent MP). She was Chair of the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs for 5 years and is a strong advocate for the rights of workers and the marginalised, saying; “Instead of targeting the most vulnerable, the government should tax the rich.” 
Zarah is one of the most prominent UK Politicians to repeatedly call for the government to recognise a Palestinian State, to implement a full Arms Embargo of UK weapons being sold to Israel and to be transparent about why the International arrest warrants for Israeli war criminals visiting the UK were blocked. For years she has spoken out for Palestine; online, on TV and at rallies. Her decision to go into politics was partially inspired by a trip to the West Bank when she was 17; “I realised through the luck of my passport I could travel through checkpoints that left Palestinians humiliated.” Therefore in this portrait Zarah is wearing a traditional Hirbawi Palestinian keffiyeh to show her solidarity with Palestine. The olive leaf patterns symbolise strength, resilience and rootedness to the land; the bold lines represent trade routes going through Palestine and the fishnet pattern represents livelihood.

www.anneleenphotography.com / www.instagram.com/anneleenphoto