Celebrating Women MPs in Parliament

Photographed by Ruth Samuels

Diane Abbott MP is the Independent Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. Her election to office in 1987 saw her becoming the first ever black, female MP in the UK, and her continuous service in this role has led to her earning the title ‘Mother of the House’, as the longest serving female Member of Parliament.

Perhaps fueled by the trailblazing nature of her appointment - remaining the sole black, female MP for 10 years - throughout her career, Diane Abbott has stood as an outspoken champion of the underrepresented in society. A central motivation for her to continue in politics has been the need to challenge behaviours and mindsets where others have stayed silent. “If I’m not here to say some of the things that other people won’t, then no one would”.

More than most MPs, she has had to absorb the impact of racism and misogyny present in UK politics, not just from the media and the general public, but from her fellow MPs. She described to me how, early on in her career, while her son was very young, there was a situation in Parliament that felt like the last straw, and caused her to consider standing down from her role. A telephone conversation with a fellow black parliamentary colleague changed the course of her life: “He said to me, “Diane - you can’t stand down, because you know what it took to get here”. And I thought, "he's right”.

I met and photographed Diane, between meetings, in her Whitehall office, where there are nods to her historic journey and achievements dotted around the room.

@ruthsamuelsphoto / www.ruth-samuels.com 

Photographed by Geraldine Curtis

Debbie Abrahams has been the Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth since 2011 and has been re-elected four times. She is Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee and several all-party groups, including Action on Dementia — now in her twelfth year. A staunch supporter of lifting the Child Benefit cap, she is among those who voted to recognise the state of Palestine and continues to raise awareness of the treatment of Palestinian people. She also runs an annual Summer School for young people considering a career in politics.

As an incredibly busy MP, it came as no surprise that pinning her down took many months. The 40% Project celebrates the achievements of women MPs, and I feel proud to have contributed, even if Debbie was one of the last to be photographed. I was given a slot of 4–4.30pm at Portcullis House, Westminster. Arriving early, I was eventually led through corridors into Debbie’s rooms — two small interconnecting offices with windows onto a vague London skyline.

Debbie breezed in a few minutes late, apologising unnecessarily — it was just another day with another political crisis. Dressed in a stylish navy dress, her warmth and ability to switch instantly from her previous meeting put me at ease.

And then it was over. By 4.33pm I was back outside. It felt like a circle completed, from seeing the 209 Women portraits in 2019 to taking part in this project.

@geraldine.curtis 

Photographed by Sophie Ward

I had the privilege of photographing Member of Parliament Rushanara Ali at Portcullis House in Westminster. For those who might not be familiar with her background, Rushanara’s story is one of true trailblazing. Moving from Bangladesh to London’s East End at just seven years old, she went on to become the very first person of Bangladeshi origin elected to the House of Commons in 2010.

Today, she serves as the Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney and continues to be a powerful, barrier-breaking voice in UK politics. The energy in Westminster is always intense, but her staff were incredibly warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived, which immediately set a great tone for the shoot. We were working against the clock with a very short timeframe, and we only had her office space to use for the setup. But as any portrait photographer knows, strict constraints often force the best creative results! Despite the rush, we managed to share a brilliant conversation while shooting. We talked about the amazing women in Westminster—both the historical pioneers who paved the way and the formidable women shaping the political landscape today.

It felt incredibly fitting to discuss female trailblazers with someone who is so clearly one herself. A huge thank you to Rushanara and her wonderful team for making this such a memorable session.

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

Photographed by Heba Mansour

Photographing Dr Rosena Allin-Khan at Balham Boxing Club in Tooting Common was a deeply rewarding collaboration. She arrived thoroughly prepared, having taken time beforehand to look at my photographic style and think about how she could help bring the images to life. Her openness, thoughtfulness and willingness to work together made the shoot both easy and inspiring. She has an amazing spirit and charisma.

In conversation, Rosena reflected on marking ten years in politics this year — a journey shaped by her early life, her determination to enter medical school against the odds, and her work as an emergency and humanitarian doctor. As she explained, “The inequality and injustice I experienced throughout my life, and what I witnessed nationally and globally, gave me fire in my belly to fight to be a voice for the voiceless.” We quickly found common ground through shared concerns about issues including Gaza and mental health, causes she continues to campaign strongly for.

Watching her switch effortlessly into boxing mode — sparring with Winston, the club owner — was a joy. Her pride in being the club’s team doctor, and her deep connection to the local community, shone throughout the session.

Despite my struggle with binocular diplopia, which can make photography challenging, she constantly reassured me and put me at ease. I feel honoured to have photographed not only a parliamentarian, mother and doctor, but a generous and profoundly grounded human being.

www.hebamansour.com

Photographed by Victoria Robb

Fleur Anderson MP was elected as MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields in 2019, having been a Wandsworth Labour Councillor since 2014.  Living in Wandsworth for 25 years, before she became an MP she ran a local community centre in Wandsworth holding projects for older people, families and young people.  She has also been active globally, leading international environmental and poverty action campaigns with Christian Aid, Water Aid and communities across the globe. Fleur also is the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Northern Ireland so also spends a good deal of time up in Westminster and across in Belfast.

It has been my constituency for well over 20 years too. I met Fleur to take her portrait on a sunny May Saturday morning after a Wandsworth Council event at the Roehampton Sports Centre on the Alton Estate, where she was also holding a busy surgery.  The Alton Estate is a large council estate, known for its modernist architecture described as combination of brutalist and Scandinavian styles, set close to Roehampton University and Richmond Park. There is currently a Wandsworth Council regeneration initiative for the Estate to improve the environment, housing and facilities, and we went out to the area near the library and learning centre on Danebury Avenue to take the photographs with the backdrop of buildings that are characteristic of it.

Photographed by Rachel Lambert

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a portrait session with Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower, at Langland Bay as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s Women in Photography 40% Project. The project was created to celebrate a historic milestone in UK politics, with women now making up 40% of Members of Parliament. It aims to build a nationwide portrait series of female MPs, capturing their individuality, leadership, and contribution, while creating a lasting visual archive of this moment in time.

Our shoot took place against the dramatic backdrop of Langland Bay, although the conditions were far from ideal. Heavy rain and strong winds challenged us throughout the session, but we chose to embrace the elements. The weather added a raw, atmospheric quality to the images, reflecting both the landscape and the resilience required on the day. Tonia was incredibly accommodating and good-humoured, which made it possible to work fluidly despite the conditions.

The collaborative nature of the 40% Project encourages each portrait to reflect the subject’s personality and connection to place, and Langland Bay provided a meaningful and visually striking setting. In the end, perseverance paid off. The final images capture not only Tonia’s presence as a representative of her constituency, but also contribute to a wider body of work celebrating women in political leadership—an important and timely record of representation in the UK.

www.rachellambertphotography.com

Photographed by Leslie Hakim-Dowek

Jess Asato, Labour MP for Lowestoft. I met Jess Asato, on a bright but blustery day along the quay of the newly redeveloped Port of Lowestoft. A dedicated party member and activist for over 25 years, Jess is a passionate advocate for the regeneration of coastal communities and for levelling the playing field between local businesses and global giants. As the easternmost harbour in the UK, the Port of Lowestoft has been transformed into a thriving hub for offshore renewable energy—symbolic of the area's shift toward a greener, more prosperous future. Jess’s roots run deep in the region. She grew up in nearby Great Yarmouth, where she lived with and cared for her grandmother from a young age—an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to public service and social justice. She was the first in her family to attend university, studying law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

In her portrait, the port unfolds behind her—a blend of old and new. A few remaining fishing trawlers sit alongside modern vessels, all poised to venture out into the North Sea. The port was Jess’s chosen location, and this recent achievement—completed only last year—marks a significant milestone for Lowestoft and the future prospects of its people.

Women often must fight twice as hard to succeed in any field, whether in politics or the arts. This serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary resilience and accomplishments of women MPs, and how much richer our democracy is because of them.

Photographed by Isabelle Clarke

Victoria Atkins is a Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle. She is also the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Farming, and Rural Affairs. Within this role Victoria’s aim is to hold the Government on urgent challenges such as the family farm tax - a serious issue faced in the district for Lincolnshire being a rural county populated by farmers.

I met with Victoria one afternoon for a quick portrait session to fit within her schedule. Due to the weather preventing an outside shoot as planned, Victoria chose a lovely Italian café that had a warm atmosphere, the perfect setting with different backgrounds for portraits! Whilst we spoke, Victoria mentioned how when she was first elected as an MP, she was the 428th female MP, in 2015. The 40% project highlights an important milestone for women’s representation in male-led environments, however there is still a long way to go.

www.isabelleclarkephoto.co.uk / @isabelleclarke_photography

Photographed by Gabrielle Guy

Catherine Atkinson is Labour MP for Derby North. Catherine informed me why Derby is described as the “City of Making”. Derby is a city with a strong industrial past; Darley Abbey Mills was on the other side of the river where Catherine’s portrait was taken. Derby is renowned for many things including its historic silk mills. It remains a strong engineering city with brands like Rolls-Royce, train equipment construction, a Museum of Making, and other creative industries.

En route to the photoshoot, Catherine showed me St Mary’s, the UK’s first biophilic school, a carbon-neutral building that actually produces more energy than it consumes. It’s a powerful example of how sustainability can be part of everyday life.

Catherine shared a fascinating project in the works that Darley Community Energy (DCE) is trying to secure funds for. This project will see an Archimedes screw - a type of turbine that allows water to flow through to a generator to provide renewable electricity - on the River Derwent at Darley Abbey Mills. Factories in the area were first powered by water wheels so this project would bring Derby in full circle with its industrial past for a greener future.

www.gabrielle-guy.com  / @thegabrielleguy

Photographed by Scarlet Page

Olivia Bailey, Labour MP for Reading West. I met Olivia Bailey on a Friday morning ahead of her constituency surgery. We wandered around the block on a sunny spring day, stopping now and then to talk and take photographs. It was a relaxed and open conversation, and I learned that we had been almost neighbours in London, pre-children.

scarletpage.com / @scarletpage

Photographed by Wendy G Davies LRPS

Alex Baker is a history-maker. Not only is she the first Labour MP to represent her constituency of Aldershot and Farnborough, but also the first woman. Aldershot is known as the “home of the British Army” and Alex was proudly wearing an army lapel badge and dressed in red, white and blue. Aldershot is still a major garrison with the military presence also including a substantial number of family members and veterans.

Farnborough is home to the historic wind tunnels of the world-famous Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). The RAE was instrumental in wind tunnel research and development throughout the 20th Century and the remaining listed buildings are preserved on the impressive Farnborough Business Park. Alex chose one of these wind tunnels for the portrait shoot. The industrial location gives important recognition to the past but is also a significant nod to the present and future.

Alex wants her constituents to feel a pride in their vibrant and dynamic home towns and is working hard on their behalf to regenerate and revitalise the town centres. She wants to shine a light on the importance of the military in the area and is acutely aware of the debt that we owe to our armed forces. She is keen to improve the poor-quality housing in which many of our servicemen and their families have to live.

Her drive to do the best for her local communities shines through – Alex is proud to stand up for and serve the residents of her constituency.

wendygdavies.com / @wendygbd 

Photographed by Sue Wright

@suewrightuppington

Photographed by Eli Pimentel ARPS

I met Paula Barker, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, at her Parliamentary office. Community solidarity, commitment to social justice and advocacy for progressive policies are at the heart of Paula’s work. Paula is a fierce advocate for workers’ rights, and the week we met had been particularly busy, lobbying for the decriminalisation of homelessness and supporting her constituents in the wake of the senseless Liverpool FC parade incident.  Thoughtful and engaging, Paula is reshaping politics through dynamic legislative change that focuses on the dignity of the person, fair pay for fair work, and access to opportunity. 

As we walked around Parliament, Paula pointed out hidden corners that reveal the history of the Suffragette movement, such as the broom cupboard Emily Wilding Davison hid in the night of the 1911 Census so that her address showed her as being in ‘The House of Commons’, thus claiming the same political rights of men.  

Photographed by Niamh McInally

This is a portrait of Johanna Baxter, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, photographed outside of her office in the heart of her constituency. I met Johanna on a mild autumnal evening in October, during the first of two nights of Paisley’s annual Halloween Festival. The town was filled with people enjoying the spooky celebrations with the town’s buildings decorated in spectacular installations and light displays.

Once I had shot all ten frames on the roll of medium format colour film inside of my camera, I had the opportunity to ask Johanna a few questions, which she very kindly answered. Johanna informed me that her Polish grandfather, who immigrated to Scotland and worked in the mines, was the person who instilled her strong labour values from when she was young. She became a union rep at the age of eighteen and since then has spent her entire working life in the trade union movement fighting for better rights for people at work. Johanna’s pursuit for the equality and empowerment of working people was evident during our conversation, and this passion has no doubt gained her a reputation as an advocate for workers’ rights and public services.

Being able to contribute to this visual celebration of women leading and shaping our future is a huge honour for me, and I am incredibly grateful to The Royal Photographic Society for the opportunity.

www.niamhmcinally.com/ 

Photographed by Fran Monks

Lorraine Beavers is the Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, a constituency which contains some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom. I was keen to make this portrait because I went to school in Fleetwood and Blackpool in the 1980s.

Blackpool has changed a lot, and signs of deprivation are evident upon arrival at the train station. Fleetwood however feels a lot more like going back in time.

Rain was forecast and so I met Lorraine at the North Euston, one of Fleetwood’s oldest hotels. The management there knew and were fond of Lorraine and were very welcoming. I’d asked Lorraine to wear something bold and bright and she did not disappoint in her red suit and long red coat. A perfect contrast to the desaturated background of a Northern town on a rainy day.

We started off with some shots in the hotel bar before heading out to make pictures in the shadow of the local light house. Interrupted by torrential rain, we hopped into Lorraine’s car and drove to the council estate where she has lived for her whole life. When she produced the red Labour umbrella from her house, I knew we had the makings of a great photo.

Luckily there was a little break in the rain and we were rewarded with a great portrait which Lorraine’s colleagues say “captures her perfectly”.

www.franmonks.com / @franmonks

Photographed by Allyson Klein

At 26, Órfhlaith Begley became the youngest MP and the first woman elected in West Tyrone, Northern Ireland, a milestone that reflects both her determination and the significance of representation.

There is something quietly determined in the way she carries herself, a sense of purpose shaped by the responsibility of public life and the realities of family life alongside it. As a mother, she speaks about the importance of balance, of making space for both work and care, and of bringing empathy into action. That sense of empathy feels central to her role, not as an abstract idea but as something lived and practiced and is something she actively puts into practice. Órfhlaith’s presence suggests someone who understands politics not simply as a career, but as a way of contributing to something larger than herself. In that way, her role as an MP feels deeply connected to both her personal life and her wider commitment to the people she represents.

The portrait aims to reflect that combination of confidence, care and quiet determination.

www.storiesandlightphotography.com / @storiesandlightphotography 

Photographed by Anneleen Lindsay

Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, in front of the Hale St Mural by Mark Francis, which commemorates The Poplar Rates Rebellion. Apsana campaigns on many social justice issues, including cuts to disability benefits, the environment, racism & women’s rights. She is Chair of the APPG on Domestic Abuse & Violence. Her maiden speech in Parliament, on International Women’s Day, paid tribute to the ‘rich history of women’s struggles for social justice in East London’. She is a vocal campaigner in solidarity with Palestine, asking many questions in Parliament about the UK government’s involvement in arming Israel & speaking passionately at Palestine rallies. Apsana chose to be photographed in her constituency, where she also grew up. She cites the socialist history of the area as an inspiration. The Poplar Rates Rebellion was a historically significant tax protest in 1921. Local councillors, having undertaken a comprehensive programme of social reform, stood up for the rights of their constituents who were suffering from hunger, poverty & unemployment, by refusing to pay unfairly weighted additional rates to the Greater London Authorities. The revolt defied government, the courts & Labour Party leadership but received widespread public support. The councillors knew they would face jail, but stood firm. 30 were imprisoned, including 6 women. Talking to Apsana about both the history and present day community projects of Poplar was fascinating and inspiring and her commitment to her constituents was clear. I’d love to revisit the area and meet some of the other people also working for the common good.

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

Photographed by Gabrielle Motola

You can’t know a person, let alone a politician, from the media, their voting record, and certainly not from a photograph. But sit with someone over a cup of tea, and you get a stronger sense of them. Guards can dissolve like sugar. Despite all that’s projected onto them, politicians are just people, some of whom like strong tea and, in our case, a good fry-up at Belcher’s café in Brighton.

Sîan Berry is the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, known for her work on social justice, housing and community-focused policy. I wanted the shoot to provide something useful for her as well as for the camera – a meal and a moment of rest – set in a place shaped by working people and everyday life.

Belcher’s is exactly that: unpretentious, full of character, and run with ethical principles. A sign in the window reads: CASH ONLY; NO EXTRA CHARGES; CASH SUPPORTS BUSINESS; CARDS SUPPORT BANKS; WHO DO YOU SUPPORT? There was no phone number listed for the café, so I travelled to Brighton to make arrangements in person. Jane, the proprietor, couldn’t have been more welcoming.

I returned the following week to make the portrait. I arrived early, ordered breakfast, and when Sîan and her assistant Matt joined me, they did the same, slipping into friendly conversation with Jane. I don’t know if they actually knew each other, but it felt as though they did.

As I photographed Sîan, even though she was aware of the camera, the exchange felt genuine. The day reminded me that politics doesn’t need to estrange us; it can be straightforward. We would do better for each other if more of it happened over food and conversation. We often want the same things, but instead of agreeing on the destination, we argue over the route.

www.gabriellemotola.com 

Photographed by Jadine Wells

Polly Billington, Labour MP for East Thanet. Elected in 2024, Polly brings years of experience in journalism and climate policy to her role. Before entering Parliament, she worked as a BBC journalist, a special adviser to Ed Miliband, and founded UK100, a network of local leaders promoting clean energy, clean air and climate action. She is also Co-Chair of the Coastal Communities parliamentary group of MPs.

Her work focuses on improving outcomes for the people of Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, accelerating climate action, championing the value of the arts and making sure communities have a real voice in shaping their future. Spending a day in East Thanet with Polly before the shoot, we visited spaces centred on care and creativity, which offered me insight into her grounded, hands-on approach to supporting local life and change. Polly was photographed at Pegwell Bay, with the Ramsgate cliff edge in the background.

We created a photograph that captures the area's character and potential. Her portrait presents a sense of focus and purpose shaped by her connection to place and the people she represents.

jadinewells.co.uk

Photographed by Lydia Smith

This portrait of Kirsty Blackman, MP for Aberdeen North, was created for The 40% Project, marking the milestone of 40% female representation in Parliament, a milestone worth celebrating and a reminder of how far there is to go.

I chose to travel and photograph Kirsty because of her work within the SNP, and her values resonate strongly with my own. She generously gave her time for a whole afternoon, and her openness and down-to-earth nature made the collaboration a real pleasure. We explored several locations and styles, including more conventional press-style portraits, before choosing this image, a wide-angle infrared image, taken in front of the multistorey flats in her constituency.

The setting reflects her deep connection to the community she represents, while the surreal finish casts her, literally, in a very different light, symbolic of women in politics who stand out, challenge convention, and bring a fresh perspective to spaces long dominated by men.

www.misslydiaphoto.com / @misslydiaphoto 

Photographed by Felicity Crawshaw

Olivia Blake serves as the Labour MP for Sheffield Hallam. Bold, compassionate and grounded in activism, Olivia works to protect the environment, and fight for social justice on behalf of her constituents.

Sheffield Hallam is a constituency of striking contrasts, where the urban environment transforms into rural landscape stretching west into the Peak District National Park. The city opens out onto rugged moorland and the dramatic rocky outcrops that became the backdrop for photographing Oliva.

Thank you, Olivia, for braving the winter cold to join me in one of my favourite corners of the Peak District to create this portrait for the 40% Project.

www.felicitycrawshaw.com  / @felicitycrawshaw

Photographed by Donna M. Lancia

Rachel Blake has served as Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster since 2024, representing the Labour Co-operative Party. Born in Manchester and raised in London, she lives in London with her partner and their two sons. Her personal and professional life are connected to the city she represents.

The Cities of London and Westminster is one of the most distinctive constituencies in the United Kingdom. It combines the historic City of London—recognised as the country’s financial centre—with the City of Westminster, home to national institutions and landmarks. The constituency is marked by contrasts. Financial institutions and luxury developments exist alongside social housing estates and residential communities. These differences create political responsibilities, requiring attention to both economic growth and social equality.

As MP, Rachel Blake works to balance the interests of the financial sector with the concerns of residents, particularly rising living costs and access to affordable housing. Her role involves contributing to national policy discussions while remaining focused on improvements for local people.

For her portrait, she chose Meard Street in Soho, a Georgian street that reflects the character and history of the area. I was honoured to photograph this dynamic, energetic, and approachable Member of Parliament within her constituency.

www.donnalanciaphotography.com / @donna.lancia

Photographed by Rebecca Lattin

Elsie Blundell has served as Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton North since the 2024 general election, following six years as a Labour and Co-operative councillor for the Balderstone and Kirkholt ward of Rochdale.

In the short time I spent with her, it was clear how deeply she cares about her constituents and the communities she represents. Fitting a portrait shoot into her schedule was no small task, so I accompanied her visit to the Tetrosyl picket line — a dispute she is passionate about and has raised in Prime Minister’s Questions. Elsie prioritised speaking directly with workers facing severe wage cuts under “fire and rehire” tactics. They spoke openly about how much her presence and advocacy meant. She also made time for Usdaw union representatives, who had been supporting the picket since the early hours, reassuring them of her continued backing.

After media interviews promoting the cause, we created portraits that incorporated union banners, grounding the images in the realities of the moment.

Shortly after becoming an MP, Elsie welcomed her first child, who now regularly accompanies her to Westminster and engagements. When I remarked on the challenge of combining motherhood with political life, she replied simply that her daughter has known no different. In that statement lies an absolute truth: visible, working motherhood belongs in Parliament. Elsie presents herself as an MP rooted in care, solidarity and lived experience.

www.rebeccalattin.co.uk  @rebeccalattinphoto

Photographed by Gemma Briggs

As Sarah Bool MP represents the rural constituency of South Northamptonshire, it seemed only right for me to photograph Sarah Bool MP on a working farm.

This image captures the warm optimism that the Conservative brings in her first term in Parliament. I witnessed her calm and committed ear as listened to the farmer whose land we visited for the shoot. As an opposition politician, she has a ready-made cause in fighting for the region’s farmers against the family farm tax. 88% of her constituency is made up of agricultural land and it is clear she has a strong dialogue with local farmers and is building her voice and profile in Parliament.

Her other priorities include calling for a national diabetes screening programme (she received a surprise Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at the age of 33) and supporting residents to challenge the huge corporate planning applications that are frequently made in the area.

Photographed by Tracey Welch

Jade Botterill became the Labour MP for Ossett and Denby Dale in July 2024. At 34 she's a relatively young entry to the House, but her life is firmly embedded in community development and politics. One of Jade's early roles, with Wakefield Trinity rugby team, involved campaigning to improve local children's health and wellbeing, and for six years she was Parliamentary Assistant and Head of Office for Yvette Cooper. She's clearly hugely proud to be an MP for the area she grew up in, and that she credits as "shaping her".

Before the shoot, we talked about three location options. Yorkshire Sculpture Park is in Jade's constituency, as is another favourite backdrop, the National Coal Mining Museum. In the end, we went for Sandal Castle, a medieval ruin overlooking Wakefield. On the day, we were a team of three, me, Jade and her constituency office manager Jo Hepworth. Jo and Jade have been friends since school, Jo is also a local councillor, and you get a sense that having that level of understanding and trust really helps Jade in the daily challenges of trying to make a positive difference for local people. Jade and Jo were both super helpful and Jade was completely at home in front of the camera, which made my life very easy.

I really enjoyed the whole experience and as Jade and Jo disappeared off to their next assignment at a local school I was almost tempted to tag along. A bit of girl power goes a long way.

www.traceywelchphotography.co.uk / @Traceyphoto

Photographed by Ruth Samuels

Sureena Brackenridge, a former Chemistry teacher and Deputy Head, was elected as the Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East in July 2024. Her ambition is to be “an old-fashioned, brilliant constituency MP”, acting as a mouthpiece in Westminster for the concerns of the area she represents. She believes that under-resourced communities need not only financial investment, but to be empowered to be decision-makers in their own right.

We began our morning together in Showell Circus, which she described as the hub for community services in Low Hill. Having just secured a £20 million grant for programmes in the area, Sureena shared her excitement that local people will have the chance to tackle the problems that matter most to them.

Despite this very tangible win, the central importance of education remains key to her outlook. “Once a teacher, always a teacher! For me, everything comes back to education. If we have an educated society, a lot of the issues we have now… we wouldn’t have them”. These issues were very clear when we met to shoot.

Our journey into Sureena’s childhood neighbourhood of Ashmore Park was overshadowed by St. George’s flags hanging from every other lamp post. It felt significant that a community that outwardly appeared under the influence of the right-wing had in reality just elected a woman of South Asian heritage, who was born and raised on the estate, to represent them. At a time where the politics of division seems to be making the most impact in society, Sureena’s presence provides a glimmer of hope.

Sureena is photographed in a location with fond memories of her childhood: the small shopping precinct on the Ashmore Park estate, locally known as ‘the bottom shops’.

@ruthsamuelsphoto / www.ruth-samuels.com 

Photographed by Jill Butterworth LRPS

Dame Karen Bradley DBE is the Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands and has represented this rural constituency continuously since 2010. She has been chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee since 2024 and was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 2018 to 2019.

We walked around Rudyard Lake and then the garden of Heaton House Farm, chatting and taking photos. Karen is always keen to promote local tourism and businesses in her constituency, and it was clear that she cares deeply about this area and its people.

She is friendly and approachable: the image we chose together shows her looking relaxed by the boats at Rudyard Lake.

www.jillbutterworth.co.uk / @jillybphotographyandart

Photographed by Allie Crewe ARPS

On a sunny afternoon in Delamere Forest, I met Aphra Brandreth. We wandered through the trees, chatting and laughing as we explored the woods together. Aphra isn’t just Chester South and Eddisbury’s new MP—she’s an economist, entrepreneur, and mum who cares deeply about her community.

After a decade advising the Government on environmental economics, she and her husband built an award-winning family-run veterinary business before returning to politics. This corner of Cheshire is personal for her: it’s where she spent her teenage years, where her husband grew up, and where her father once served as MP.

As Honorary Vice President of the Conservative Women’s Organisation, Aphra is passionate about helping more women find their voice and step into political life. She talks about listening, championing local voices, and working hard for a place that feels like home.

www.allie-crewe.uk

Photographed by Beatrice Updegraff

Suella Braverman is the Reform MP for Fareham and Waterlooville in Hampshire. She served as Home Secretary from September 2022 – November 2023 for the Conservative Government. Suella defected to Reform UK four days before our photoshoot – it’s always surreal to meet someone famous, but even more so when their face and actions have been all over newspapers and social media feeds on the run up to your meeting.

Suella Braverman is an undoubtedly divisive person in her politics. Many friends expressed disbelief that I was taking her photo; I have spent time in refugee camps in Europe whilst she describes deporting asylum seekers as her “dream and obsession”. Suella has been scathingly outspoken on “Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati” and I very happily fall under this umbrella. However, meeting Suella was a great experience. Not many of us have the opportunity to spend time with someone with whom we don’t identify.

It’s even rarer to make a connection with them – and yet, that’s exactly what happened. I genuinely enjoyed my afternoon with her. Suella and I met at Portchester Castle in what might have been the most inclement weather I’ve ever had for a shoot. Her hat was whipped away in the wind, with the ribbon from it thrown into the ancient castle’s moat. Our umbrella blew inside out and both of us had hair plastered to our foreheads. We both were completely drenched but throughout, Suella stayed remarkably cheery, embodying a very no-nonsense “keep calm, carry on” mentality, embracing the downpour as authentically British weather with great humour. She was chatty, friendly and fun. We bonded over Hampshire (where I am originally from) and she explained the origin of her name (Sue + Ellen).

After Suella left to go home and change her soaked clothes, I walked back to the station feeling surprised at my sense of fondness. In an era when political discourse is fraught, opinions are divisive and everything feels binary and unnuanced, it’s imperative to see the human behind every story and that’s exactly what I wanted to show in my portrait of her. I spent the afternoon walking in Suella’s (very soggy) shoes; I hope that Suella, Reform UK and their supporters can do this in their politics too.

@someoneimettoday / www.someoneimettoday.com 

Photographed by Wendy G Davies LRPS

I met Alex on a sunny spring afternoon at King John’s castle in North Warnborough. The castle remains are near to where the Basingstoke canal crosses the River Whitewater, a local chalk stream in the area. Known for its crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife, the area is extremely popular with residents. Alex cares deeply about the environment and she is campaigning hard to stop the sewage pollution in these local chalk-stream rivers. 

My portrait of Alex shows her beside the River Whitewater. We also chatted about the area’s strong military history and the disastrous impact of the underfunding of local public services, amongst many other topics. Throughout our discussion, Alex’s dedication, enthusiasm and eagerness to improve the lives of her constituents was self-evident. Her constituents told her they wanted a hard-working, visible local MP - I think they’ve got exactly that.

Alex is the Liberal Democrat MP for North East Hampshire

www.wendygdavies.com. / @wendygbd

Photographed by Livvi Grant

Jess Brown-Fuller, Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester. I met Jess in Bosham on a blustery spring afternoon, just as the Easter holidays were beginning. Families were out enjoying the fresh sea air and the sweeping views across the water – a familiar scene in this part of West Sussex. Jess knows it well. As a child, she came here for Bonfire Night fireworks, and the place still clearly holds meaning for her. Jess has lived in the Chichester area since the 1990s

She studied at the University of Chichester and was elected as the Liberal Democrat MP in July 2024. We talked as the wind blew our hair across our faces – about her roots here, and her strong commitment to protecting the local environment. Chichester Harbour, a designated National Landscape and SSSI, is a place she speaks up for in Parliament.

She’s called for tougher action on sewage pollution and more joined-up planning to protect these landscapes for future generations. It felt fitting to photograph her here – not in Westminster, but in a place that reflects who she is: grounded in her community, and focused on making a difference close to home.

livvigrant.co.uk / @livvicegrant

Photographed by Emma Playsted

Julia Buckely is the first female MP ever elected to represent Shrewsbury and rightly proud of this acheivement.  Julia feels strongly about the need for female representation in parliament, working within a system that she says still feels largely male dominated despite the growing number of females.  She is keen to see encouragement of young females to follow her into the world of politics through education and seeing representation of  strong female role models.

Julia is focused on improving life for families struggling in the cost of living crisis, protecting the River Severn from pollution and improving flood defences.

We met in front of the Shrewsbury train station, a beautiful historical building in an area of town that she sees great potential in and is keen too see improved. We wandered around Shrewsbury whilst chatting about the town and her plans going forwards, we found common ground in our passion for mental health support and SEND provision, a subject which Julia is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about and has a commitment to improving.

When  it comes to representing local people, she is a well known face in the  area and is often seen supporting local events charities and causes. Julia is highly professional and strong yet approachable, something I hope comes across in this image. 

@emsiamcreative

Photographed by Eleanor Church

"I never thought that I’d be an MP and I’m honoured that I have been elected for the Glasgow North East constituency where I have lived all my life. The reason I do it is because I want to make positive, lasting change to an area that has been left behind for too long. The community spirit in Glasgow North East is like nowhere else, but the people that call it home need help. The Glasgow North East constituency has the lowest life expectancy of anywhere in the whole of the UK. That was a shock to me. I can look back at my own family and see the devastating effect health inequality has had.” For me, education has also always been an important priority. I want to get people better opportunities to help get them out of poverty because poverty is a big factor when it comes to health.”

Maureen started working in a tie factory in the area when she was sixteen. Both of her parents had TB and were hospitalised, meaning her and her siblings had to go out to work. She had no higher education. At the age of 40, she decided that she needed to do something different, attending what was then the John Wheatley college, now Glasgow Kelvin College, taking an evening course in IT, which later allowed her to move from the factory floor into office-based work. “If it wasn’t for that college, I wouldn’t be here now as an MP. That’s why education is very important to me. It has the power to change lives.”

She was an elected city councillor for 12 years but before that worked for an MSP. Attending a meeting to discuss housing and striking up a positive relationship with the MSP, she was eventually offered a job in their office.

www.larkrisepictures.com

Photographed by Rosemary Mann

Meeting Dawn for the first time, in December 2025, was a pleasure. Dawn had always impressed me with her ability to be succinct, fearless and forthright.

Dawn was only the third Black woman to be elected MP and the first Black woman to speak at the despatch box in 2009. I wanted to take the best photograph possible to reflect her energy and commitment to workers’ rights and social justice. I met Dawn at one of the famous murals in Dollis Hill, Brent, in her constituency of Brent East, commemorating the Grunswick strike, which had taken place in the hot summer of 1976 and lasted two years. I got to work and took quite a few images. Dawn was so chilled, friendly and good to work with.

We then moved on to a local park which afforded a view of Wembley Stadium. Unfortunately, the cloud cover and haze prevented this being successful. It did offer some opportunity for more composed and relaxed shots, which I intend to offer to Dawn. On the way, Dawn and her assistant also talked candidly about the racism she experienced on a daily basis and a billboard that had recently been vandalised with racist graffiti.

Dawn’s constituency office in Willesden closed in 2020 following a spate of attacks and threats and has never reopened. I came to appreciate how, whilst all MPs’ safety is challenged more in recent years, becoming and remaining a global majority MP requires incredible confidence and stoicism.

Photographed by Agnieszka Marta Modlinska

Portrait of Ruth Margaret Cadbury MP, who has represented Brentford and Isleworth since 2015 as a member of the Labour Party, photographed outside the historic Gillette Clock Tower in Isleworth, at the heart of her constituency.

@agimodlinska

Photographed by Sabrina Merolla

Nesil Caliskan MP is the nominated Labour Member of Parliament from Barking, East London, since 2024. She is also the first elected parliamentarian of Turkish Cypriot origin in the United Kingdom.

Nesil is a warm woman in her mid-thirties who can manage a very busy schedule and care for a young child. Known for advocating for families, visiting local nurseries, and discussing childcare needs in Parliament, she now has the chance to see her own child using the Parliament nursery. We met in Westminster as I was squeezed into her very busy schedule on a rainy day in October.

This portrait was taken soon after entering St Stephen’s Hall. She sat on a bench near a decorated window. We talked about her long-standing involvement with politics and commitment to represent her community and, of course, about the difficulties that parents - especially mothers - have to face every day when trying to balance family and work. She was keen to take part in the 40% project, and so kind to show me 'New Dawn’, artist Mary Branson's artwork born to celebrate women’s suffrage for Parliament in 2016. It was a pleasure meeting this bright woman politician.

www.sabrinamerolla.co.uk  / @sabrinamero

Photographed by Kristy Gosling

I had the privilege of spending an hour with Irene Campbell, Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran on what turned out to be the sunniest day of the year. Irene won her seat in the 2024 Labour landslide, continuing the long line of female MP’s in this constituency going back over 20 years.

We met at the Emmaline & Christabel Pankhurst memorial in Westminster primarily because of it’s connection to the Women’s Rights movement; it seemed a fitting tribute to the suffragettes, who were so instrumental in achieving the current record 40% female representation in parliament. But it also has significant links to Irene’s role as chair of the all-party group dedicated to phasing out animal testing. Many of the suffragettes were active in the anti-vivisection movement, which at the time overlapped with women’s rights.

Irene has worked tirelessly towards reform of animal testing policies and what struck me when she spoke about this is how very proud she is to have the opportunity to contribute to positive change. It's to her credit that even on the day that she stood for the first time in Prime Ministers Question Time to discuss it, she still found time beforehand to meet me and participate in the 40% project.

www.kristygosling.com 

Photographed by Mallory Mercer

Juliet Campbell Labour MP for the Broxtowe Consituency was elected in July 2024 to represent Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire. She was born in St Anns and raised in Bilborough in Nottingham to parents who migrated to England from Jamaica in the early 1960s and is the youngest of five children. Juliet shared with me that she has a wonderful grown up son and a beautiful granddaughter, whom she adores. She explained she enjoys nature, loves flowers, the rain and shoes!

We met on a blustery Saturday in Wollaton Park, where Juliet fondly remembers spending her carefree summer holidays, exploring the grounds with family and friends. We looked at a number of locations in the Park before settling on this one. I wanted to capture a relaxed portrait and therefore chose to use my long lens (70-200MM) to avoid having the camera too close, as neither of us like being in front of a lens by choice.

Photographed by Alice Chapman

Charlotte Cain is the MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire. She has lived in East Cambridgeshire for thirty years. As a child, she moved home often with her Army father. Her mother, a teacher, worked wherever he was posted. She read Ancient History & Archaeology at Birmingham, where she and her husband worked as field archaeologists before retraining with KPMG as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. In 1994 a job with an arts charity brought Charlotte to the village of Reach in Cambridgeshire. As a teenager Charlotte wanted to end apartheid and protect the environment, and is still campaigning for equality and fairness.

I met Charlotte in the village of Cottenham, where she was preparing to hold a constituency surgery. We shot some portraits, but I love this documentary image of Charlotte, made while she worked with village hall staff to prepare the room for constituents to arrive. 

Photographed by Kit Martin

I met Wendy in St Monans, in the heart of her East Fife constituency, on a cool grey day in April with spits of rain in the air. Wendy chose to meet at the windmill by the salt pans and the tidal pool, with the Isle of May in the distance behind us.

I was delighted that Wendy wanted to meet at a location that I also have a deep connection with and regularly visit. I was equally delighted that she would let me photograph her with my large format analogue camera that would take time to set up and fiddle around with.

Although we had just met, Wendy was relaxed and open and we had an interesting chat while I set things up, taking four sheets of 5x4 film which we would only know the results of once I developed and printed them in the darkroom.

This photo is the one we chose, which I think reveals Wendy’s open and friendly character as a woman, MP for North East Fife and Chief Whip of the Liberal Democrats.

www.kitmartinphoto.co.uk / @kitmartinphoto

Photographed by Jenny Owen LRPS

Sarah Champion has served as the Labour Party MP for Rotherham since 2012. She was first elected as Chair of the International Development Select Committee in 2020, and then re-elected to that position soon after the 2024 general election. As an MP she has an extensive background in tackling complex issues; she has worked particularly hard to develop policies to protect children and young people from abuse and sexual exploitation.

I met Sarah on a street corner in a Rotherham neighbourhood during a routine door-knocking session. This was not 'Plan A' - we had initially discussed meeting in a local park for a more conventional shoot. But Sarah had looked at some of my work online and commented "I thought that coming out with us would be more your cup of tea". She was right. I was immediately struck by Sarah's close working relationship with her local team and by her sheer enthusiasm. We covered a lot of ground, mixing doorstep conversations with chat about the local area and with pauses to take a shot wherever the late afternoon light looked good.

I wanted to make an image that would reflect Sarah's energy and commitment to her constituents, as well as recognising that all-important teamwork. This is the one that we chose: a moment in the late afternoon sun, in between doorstep conversations.

@jennyowenphoto

Photographed by Stefania Distante ARPS

I met Ellie Chowns, Green Party MP for North Herefordshire, on a Saturday afternoon following her constituency surgery in Leominster. It was then that I made her portrait capturing her quiet determination, unwavering commitment, and genuine care for the people she represents. As we walked through the market town together, it became clear just how deeply rooted Ellie is in her community. She was constantly stopped by locals with the easy familiarity that speaks of long-standing relationships and earned trust. We spent time with a local dance company performing to raise awareness about the pollution of the River Wye, a cause Ellie is visibly passionate about. Later, we had a powerful, grounded conversation with staff from Echo, a charity and leading service provider in Herefordshire for adults living with disabilities.

What struck me most throughout our time together was Ellie’s authenticity. She is present, engaged and a deeply trusted part of the fabric of this community. In every interaction, she revealed herself as someone guided by integrity, compassion, and a true sense of public service.

www.stefaniadistante.com

Photographed by Kasia Kowalska

Feryal Clark Labour MP for Enfield North. I met up with Feryal for a walk in the heart of Enfield by The New River path and we talked about how she got into politics and what matters to her the most as an MP. Her manner is frank and approachable, her laughter infectious.

Growing up in a family that always took a keen interest in politics and current affairs, she fondly recalled growing up as a young girl from Kurdish-Turkish diaspora in East London surrounded by people from different cultures and different countries. ‘Best Vietnamese restaurants are in Hackney’, she told me with a smile.

Her love for a diverse, multicultural society is clear and she is driven by the desire to get things done. She is focused on what the outcomes of infrastructure projects she is involved in will really mean to people affected by them. One question seems to matter to her more than anything: will it make people’s lives better or not?

It is clear Feryal is passionate about what she does. Moments before she rushes off to her next appointment, she pauses and tells me that she hates people who just kick problems into the long grass, and believes her job is to persist on behalf of her constituents to find solutions to problems, and to never give up.

@kasia_kowalska_photography

Photographed by Jacqui Shepherd

Lizzi Collinge is the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale since 2024. The constituency, at Lancashire’s northernmost tip, borders Cumbria and North Yorkshire. From the seaside towns of Morecambe and Heysham to the rural Lune Valley, its towns, villages and coastal communities form a distinctive, diverse landscape. Lizzi’s roots are firmly planted in her Lancashire heritage; she served as a County Councillor 2016–25. At heart, she is a constituency MP, pledging to represent every part of her area, support the local economy, and protect services like the NHS.

She has secured funding for regeneration projects in the west of her patch and will welcome Eden Project North to Morecambe’s beachfront. In Westminster, Lizzi chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, currently championing legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales. A member of Labour Women’s Network and Parliament 50:50, she’s a natural supporter of the 40% Project. From Lizzi’s Promenade office panoramic views sweep across Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District mountains. It sits within the iconic Winter Gardens and Theatre where she chose to be photographed. This wonderfully Victorian building, once the “people’s palace of entertainment” was a fitting setting for this most modern of Parliamentarians with a love of history.

After the shoot, Lizzi treated me to a chippy lunch at Bay Café, aka Blackburn Chippy. From one Lancastrian to another this was a well received kindness! As we chatted Lizzi mentioned her great great uncle Alfred Wainwright. “THE Alfred Wainwright?” I asked, as if there was another!

www.jacquishepherd.co.uk / @jacqui_shep

Photographed by Sarah Haskell ARPS

Victoria Collins is the Liberal Democrat MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted and was elected to Parliament in 2024. Proud to represent her constituents, Victoria decided that the Grand Union Canal in Berkhamsted would be the ideal location for her photo shoot. We met in the brilliant sunshine of Good Friday morning and took a stroll through the town to the Canal towpath, which is still very much a busy thoroughfare in the heart of this community. So busy, that we had barely walked 100 metres before a member of the public did a 'double-take' and seized the opportunity to chat to their MP. Victoria was in her element, addressing the local and national issues her interlocutor was concerned about. Generous with her time, Victoria was superb to photograph, no rush, no fuss, easy to work with.

This image, set against the historic buildings and bridges of the canal, was Victoria's choice from a shortlist of potentials sent to her office.

www.heraphotography.co.uk

Photographed by Stefania Distante MA ARPS

When I met Sarah Coombes, Labour MP for West Bromwich, to make her portrait, her candour and presence were immediately evident. She spoke openly about West Bromwich’s pressing challenges: limited access to healthcare, high knife crime, a shortage of youth services, and educational gaps that drive young people to seek opportunities elsewhere. The High Street, vibrant by day, grows quiet in the evenings as concerns about violence and drug-related crime affect the night-time economy.

Yet Sarah balances realism with optimism, highlighting tangible signs of renewal: plans for a redeveloped town centre, a recently inaugurated modern indoor market, a new mental health hospital, and a library already serving as a vital community hub. She observes that the High Street reflects the area’s diversity and culture, and these initiatives point to a more dynamic and resilient future for residents.

Approachable and engaging, Sarah naturally draws constituents to speak openly with her. Having been involved in politics since childhood, she remains deeply

stefaniadistante.com / @stefaniadistante

Photographed by Kat Mahale

Dr Beccy Cooper is Labour MP for Worthing West.

I’m always slightly giddy at having an excuse to go to the coast - not that I need one, but I’m well over an hour away. There’s a timeless nostalgia to it and reminds me of holidays when I was little, dodging seaweed and delighting at the rare times it felt warm enough to go completely in.

I met Beccy on Worthing pier, and was immediately struck by her warmth and openness. She has a wonderful energy and we connected straight away - so much so, we spent more time talking than taking photos, covering everything from parenting to parliament, and patient care to life purpose.

Beccy is a kind and compassionate presence, and I felt really seen and heard by her in the short time we were together. Whilst travelling home, I realised how important this is, not only for MPs to do, but for all of us to do for others. I found her inspiring. Beccy says she won’t be running for PM, but I rather hope she does.

Beccy said, ‘It was much more than a photo shoot - it was quite surprising actually. I didn’t expect to have such an in-depth conversation and Kat introduced mindfulness to the art of picture taking, challenging me to reflect on why I do this job and what I want to achieve. Not always easy questions, but what a privilege to have a few mins in a busy schedule to think about them. It’s an honour to be involved in the 40% project and I’m really happy that my image will be used to promote women in politics, I think it’s a great privilege.’

www.feelmorecreative.org / @feelmorecreative

Photographed by Livvi Grant

Daisy Cooper Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans. I photographed Daisy at the Palace of Westminster as the working day was winding down. The light was soft, the corridors quieter than usual, but she still carried the sharp energy of someone who had spent the day holding power to account. It’s a place she knows well – not just as an MP, but as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and the party’s voice on the Treasury.

Since her election in 2019, Daisy has built a reputation for getting things done – from championing NHS dentistry and local high streets to standing up for pubs, chalk streams, and reliable public transport. She was voted Backbench MP of the Year in 2021, a recognition of her determined, people-focused approach to politics.

As the day came to a close, she stood with quiet confidence – a reminder that real leadership is rooted in action, not noise.

www.livvigrant.co.uk

Photographed by Nicola Tree

Yvette was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on 5 September 2025, having previously served as Home Secretary from July 2024. She is the first woman in British political history to hold both roles. First elected as MP for Pontefract and Castleford in 1997, she served in government from 1999 to 2010 and later chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee before becoming Shadow Home Secretary in 2021.

Arranging this portrait took patience given Yvette’s schedule. On a cold January morning, with snow forecast but not yet fallen, I travelled to Wakefield feeling hopeful the day would align. Yvette chose The Tigers Rugby League Football Club, a place deeply rooted in her constituency. The stadium was mid-refurbishment, yet it retained a grounded, unpretentious charm.

After walking the grounds and assessing the light, I settled on the newly installed seating. When Yvette arrived wearing a black and amber Tigers scarf, it echoed the orange and black seats spelling “Tigers” behind her. We spoke about years of family matches there, watching games while keeping an eye on young children.

We spent just twenty minutes photographing her overlooking the pitch. Her warmth and genuine affection for the club revealed a strong connection to the local community. Afterwards, I returned via the old mill that houses her constituency office, pausing for lunch in its tearoom — a quiet glimpse into the everyday lives she represents.

www.nicolatree.com  

Photographed by Heba Mansour

The Labour MP for Ealing Southall since 2024, Deirdre Costigan now serves as a Government Assistant Whip. She arrived at our session in Southall on a cold and wet winter’s morning smiling, undeterred by the weather.

Despite the rain, she chose several locations for her portraits, walking from Southall Manor House, built in the 1500s that sits at the heart of her constituency, to the Broadway and past Southall Station, where she noted with pride the station name displayed also in Punjabi.

Previously the national Disability Equality Officer for the UNISON trade union, throughout the walk, she spoke openly about her concerns for the community she serves, with affordable and safe housing foremost among them. We discussed Southall’s long history of anti-racism and standing against the far-right, reflecting on the murders of Blair Peach and Gurdip Singh Chaggar and their memorial plaques at Southall’s Town Hall.

When I asked her about the barriers that women in politics face today, she pointed out how many more barriers block the way for women of colour and those who face other forms of discrimination in addition to misogyny.

www.hebamansour.com 

Photographed by Lia Cordery

Claire Coutinho is the Conservative MP for East Surrey - Member of Parliament since 2019. She is Shadow Secretary of Energy Security and Net Zero in the shadow cabinet. Not only does Claire manage this important portfolio, but she also manages to carry the crucial role of mum to her adorable little boy.

We met in Westminster hall with a grey and overcast day outside not giving us much to work with. Westminster Hall was extremely dark on the day so we did struggle for light. Claire was very supportive and a good sport as we tried to find the best and brightest spots together. In between shots we were talking about life, children, parents, worries and beliefs. She is such a naturally open soul and I left our brief time together feeling I had known her for ages. It isn’t so often one comes across people who speak so openly about themselves, especially in public life.

I hope I have captured her well, as she is a wonderful representation of what the 40% project is aiming to highlight. Strong independent women who are as in touch with themselves as they are with their constituents. Claire is a symbol of modern Britain and to have captured her inside one of the great monuments of our history tells the story of how far we have come as a nation and how much more there is to accomplish.

This is the power of the 40%. It was a real pleasure for me to meet her in person and try to give everyone a glimpse of who Claire is.

@liacorderyphotos

Photographed by Eleanor Church

Pam Cox, Labour MP for Colchester. Pam Cox was elected at the last election and is Colchester’s first woman MP and the city’s first Labour MP since the WWII.

We met at Hilly Fields to catch the evening light. Overlooking Colchester, ‘Britain’s first city’, it’s a haven for nature and walkers and has been the site of important historical events for thousands of years.

As a historian, a sociologist, a criminologist and now a politician, it felt like a good spot to take her portrait. Never has it felt more important to have people elected that have integrity, are listeners and doers, thoughtful, intelligent, hardworking and kind - Pam is all of these.

larkrisepictures.com / @larkrisepictures

Photographed by Sujata Setia

Jen Craft’s political presence is inseparable from her openness. In a landscape where vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, she has spoken publicly about her experiences with depression and disability - not as confessions, but as assertions of legitimacy. Her voice expands the narrow idea of who leadership belongs to, insisting that political authority does not require the erasure of pain, difference, or mental struggle.

For many women, particularly those living with invisible illnesses or disabilities, representation has historically come with conditions: be exceptional, be silent, be resilient without asking for care. Craft disrupts that narrative. By naming her experiences openly, she reframes mental health and disability not as private burdens but as political realities - ones that shape access, participation, and survival.

Photographing her felt especially resonant within the context of this project. At 40% representation, women in Parliament are no longer anomalies - but women like Craft remind us that diversity within that number still matters profoundly. Her visibility challenges the idea that strength must look a certain way, or that public life is only for those whose bodies and minds conform to an unspoken norm.

Her work, and her willingness to speak from within lived experience, creates space for others - constituents, colleagues, and future leaders - to imagine themselves as worthy of power without first needing to be “fixed.” In doing so, she contributes not only to legislative change, but to cultural change: expanding the emotional and bodily vocabulary of politics itself. Jen Craft is Labour MP for Thurrock

sujatasetia.com / @sujatasetia 

Photographed by Dvora

Mary Creagh CBE Labour MP for Coventry East.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature).

Marys work throughout her political career aligns with the direction my own work started to take in 2019. 

2018: Mary was the Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee which looked at the sustainability of the fashion industry, producing the Fixing Fashion Report.

She promoted ethical practices and environmental responsibility within the fashion industry, advocating for changes to improve workers welfare and to reduce the environmental impact of clothing consumption.

Urging industry and the government to adopt policies that promote sustainable practices like repair, reuse and recycling clothing and to end the era of ‘throwaway fashion’.

She is a woman ahead of the curve and it was brilliant to meet and photograph her.

Today some of her responsibilities cover the circular economy, domestic biodiversity, green finance, tree planting and forestry.

We met for the shoot at her office in Coventry which (in alignment with her values,) was furnished completely with preloved furniture. It all still looked new. 

Mary was very generous with her time. We shot this image in her office but also went out and shot by the side of the canal and fields around her constituency. 

We picked berries and fruit from the hedgerows. She had a packet of seeds with her and even did some guerilla planting in some of the raised beds by the canal.

I chose this image for its strength and timelessness, qualities she carries throughout her work.

dvora.photography / @dvoraphoto

Photographed by Julie Bélanger

Stella Creasy, Labour and Cooperative MP for Walthamstow. Meeting Stella Creasy in her constituency was both exciting and humbling. As the long-serving MP for Walthamstow, with 15 years in Parliament, she has been at the forefront of campaigns that deeply resonate with me—championing social justice, equality, and opportunity. He current fight to legalise abortion in England and Wales is just one important example. Stella is a tireless advocate who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice, and her courage has inspired not only me, but countless others. 

Her unwavering commitment comes at a cost. For speaking out, she has endured threats to her safety—an all-too-common experience for women in politics, and one that weighs even more heavily on her now as a mother to young children. Stella spoke candidly about the emotional toll of this abuse, and the structural challenges that continue to push women out of political life.

Our conversation was a powerful reminder that while we should celebrate the milestone of 40% female representation in Parliament, we must also stay vigilant. The women leading the fight for a better country, like Stella, do so every day—often at great personal cost. 

I chose to photograph Stella on a street in her constituency, in front of a vibrant mural, to reflect both her connection to the community and her grounded, approachable presence. Her casual stance, sunglasses, and unpretentious style convey ease, but her calm confidence and no-nonsense energy are unmistakable.

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

Photographed by Allyson Klein

Pat Cullen is the Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Pat Cullin's route into politics was shaped by a long career in care and advocacy. She began as a community nurse during the Troubles, later trained and worked as a registered psychotherapist. She went on to join the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), eventually becoming acting and interim General Secretary and Chief Executive of the UK-wide RCN.

Her background in nursing remains at the heart of how she approaches public life by bringing a deep attentiveness to others and a natural sense of empathy. This is reflected in the way she carries out her role as an MP. Her professional life suggests someone who has spent years listening, supporting and responding to others, and that experience seems to continue to shape her public voice.

Meeting Pat on a sunny day in Clogher, in the beautiful grounds of St Macartan’s Cathedral, added to the warmth of the encounter. She was very gracious with her time and willing to move around the site, which gave the portrait session a relaxed and collaborative feel. The image aims to reflect both her dignity and the compassion that clearly informs her approach to politics and public life.

www.storiesandlightphotography.com / @storiesandlightphotography 

Photographed by Sue Wright

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South and Deputy Speaker. It was a real privilege to photograph Judith Cummins MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, for the RPS Women in Photography 40% Project. Judith had asked to be photographed in the iconic Speaker’s Chair, wearing the traditional robes — and what a striking and symbolic image that made.

We met early one morning before the day’s business in Parliament began. I was given time to set up in the chamber, which felt incredibly special — standing there with my camera where so much history has happened. Judith arrived smiling and full of warmth, and putting me immediately at ease.

As we prepared for the shoot, we spoke about how amazing it is that 40% of MPs are now women, and how proud she is to be serving as a Deputy Speaker. Her pride in her role was clear, and her enthusiasm for the 40% Project was heartening. She also spoke with real passion about her work for Bradford South and how hard she continues to fight for her constituents — a reminder that behind the formality of Westminster, she remains deeply grounded in the people she represents.

I wanted the portrait to reflect both her dignity in office and her pride in being a woman in such a position of influence. Seated in the Speaker’s Chair in full robes, Judith looked calm, strong, and completely at home — a powerful image of representation and progress.

It’s a portrait I feel honoured to have taken — and one I hope speaks to just how far we’ve come.

@suewrightuppington

Photographed by Lia Cordery

Janet Daby is the Labour MP for Lewisham East since 2018. She served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families from July 2024 until September 2025.

Janet was great about choosing the location. Her husband is a photographer, so she knew what we needed for our setting. The light and atmosphere deep inside the corridors of Westminster were fantastic. Janet was elegantly dressed and incredibly relaxed and she knows how to pose, making it so much easier for the photographer.

It really was a great pleasure for me to photograph her. It was a delight to meet Janet and she is a wonderful part of the 40% project. I really hope her spirit shines through in this photograph.

@liacorderyphotos

Photographed by Allie Crewe ARPS

We met on a Spring day at the Ship Inn in Lathom, the room filled with dappled sunlight. Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, joined the 40% Project as part of a growing portrait of women in Parliament—each bringing their own voice, their own way of leading. She admires the diversity we are representing. She spoke with humour and warmth - That her role is not to enter a room and speak, but to listen. To make space for others, rather than fill it. And that vulnerability—so often mistaken for weakness— is, in truth, a form of courage. A different kind of strength.

www.allie-crewe.uk 

Photographed by Ruth Toda-Nation

Emily Darlington, Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central. I photographed Emily in the soft evening light in Campbell Park, right in the heart of Milton Keynes — Britain’s most successful new city. It’s a park rich in stories, home to remarkable artworks like the Light Pyramid and the iconic Milton Keynes Rose, reflecting both our past, our future, and our pioneering spirit. Emily believes in the power of community, in the way spaces like this bring people together, so it felt fitting to make her portrait here.

Emily was elected as Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central in 2024, after boundary changes made it a key battleground seat — a win that helped Labour secure its overall majority. A member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee; Emily is passionate about science and advocates for leveraging local expertise and resources to drive innovation in life sciences and healthcare. She led initiatives to make Milton Keynes a White Ribbon City and a dementia-friendly city. She also spearheaded efforts to tackle homelessness after the city was labelled “tent city” in 2018, insisting that “compassion, not cruelty, is the answer to rough sleeping — we have the proof in Milton Keynes.” Emily stands not just as a politician but as a person who wants the best for our city — standing up for those who are overlooked and working for a fairer future for all.

I wanted to make a portrait that reflects her values, her mission, and her ability to bring people together, rising above divisions and obstacles. I photographed on film with my Hasselblad 500 C/M — a quiet, deliberate process that allowed the moment to unfold naturally. As I pressed the shutter, a seagull flew across the sky — a perfect symbol of freedom, hope, and a future filled with possibilities.

@ruthtodanation

Photographed by Anna Dabrowska

Ann Davies, Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin, has built her career on hard work, community commitment, and lifelong learning. From her roots on a Carmarthenshire farm and a background in music teaching, she pursued higher education later in life at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, where she studied Early Years Education alongside her daughter. This experience gave her the confidence and skills to co-found a Welsh-language nursery and later step into public service, culminating in her election to Parliament, where she now represents her community with the same dedication and resilience.

Ann Davies is a strong supporter of green energy, but she is firmly opposed to the proposed pylons in the Towy Valley. Recognising the valley as an area of outstanding natural beauty and heritage, she is committed to protecting it for future generations. While she backs renewable energy projects, she stresses that installations must not cause irreversible local damage or undermine the landscape, communities, and economy of this cherished area.

Ann and I discussed the ideas and decided that Paxton Tower, with the Towy Valley in the background, was the perfect spot. Being there with “No Pylons” sign tells a strong story, highlighting the part of the valley that could be affected and showing her commitment to protecting the landscape while supporting green energy responsibly.

Photographed by Kat Mahale

Mims Davies is the Conservative MP for East Grinstead, Uckfield & the villages.

Rain isn’t often the photographers friend, but if the weather had been good on this day, we’d have missed the awe-inspiring experience of being in a building of great beauty and antiquity.

Mims and I met in Sackville College, the stunning 400+ year-old Jacobean Almshouse in East Grinstead. Before she arrived, I was given a quick tour of the ground floor rooms, courtesy of Rosalind Crowther, the first female warden since the college was built in 1609. We took in the breathtaking chapel, dining room, common room and study - the latter felt like the perfect place to do the shoot.

I found Mims warm, compassionate, dynamic and really lovely to be around. She’s interested, interesting and clearly deeply fascinated with the history of her constituency. Her energy and excitement for Sackville College, the towns and villages in which she works, and the 40% Project, was really infectious and has stayed with me since.

Mims said, ‘I feel so honoured to be a part of the 40% Project. Your shots are brilliant and you made me feel so relaxed and positive about why we are doing this. The background in Sackville College is beautiful and it was exciting to have been photographed at the table where John Mason Neale wrote Good King Wenceslas over 170 years ago! I felt really connected to my community and the history of East Grinstead. Thank you for giving up your time and for everyone involved to make this project come alive - it's lovely to have such talented women like you to work with us.’

www.feelmorecreative.org / @feelmorecreative

Photographed by Lucy Arscott

Alex Davies-Jones an MP for the Labour Party in Pontypridd. Alex was working at Welsh Water and on maternity leave with her eight-month-old son when the 2019 general election was announced. When her predecessor confirmed he would not be standing, she began receiving late-night phone calls asking whether she would consider replacing him. After speaking with her mum and deciding she had nothing to lose, she chose to put herself forward. Just a few days later, she was announced as the candidate.

Before becoming an MP, Alex served as a community councillor and loved representing the area she calls home. The daughter of a miner, she has lived in the constituency all her life and feels a deep connection to the community, with a strong understanding of the specific challenges facing people in the valleys.

Balancing motherhood with life as an MP and Minister, she says, means spinning many plates and accepting that one will always drop. She is grateful that her son has never known any different and that she has an amazing support network at home.

As Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, she is motivated by the knowledge that her work helps build a safer and fairer world for him. While the brief is often harrowing, Alex considers it a privilege to meet survivors and families, to hear their stories, and to help them on their journey to justice.

www.lucyarscott.com / @mjs_photography

Photographed by Eli Pimentel

The Hon. Marsha de Cordova MP has served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Battersea since 2017. In Parliament, Marsha advocates for a range of issues including disability rights, securing better relations with the European Union, housing, the cost of living, respect for international human rights and opportunities for young people. Powered by her personal experience with sight loss, Marsha seeks to represent some of the most vulnerable in our society, becoming a voice for the voiceless. Marsha was born in Bristol with the eye condition nystagmus, which means she is registered blind. She went onto study Law and European Policy at London South Bank University before building a formidable career in the voluntary sector in London. Marsha worked for the eye health charity Thomas Pocklington Trust and founded her own charity, South East London Vision. Her journey into politics began at Lambeth Council where she served as a Councillor from 2014-2018. In Parliament, she has held numerous roles including Shadow Minister for Disabled People (2017–2020) and Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (2020–2021). In 2024 Marsha was appointed by the King as the Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church of England in Parliament. She was also appointed as the Co-Chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly. Marsha has called South West London home since her time at university and is deeply grateful for her community here. For Marsha, making Battersea the best place to live, work and visit is not just a political mission but also a personal one.

@elimpimentel

Photographed by Jayne Odell FRPS

Kate Dearden has been the Labour MP for Halifax since 2024 and is also a Government Assistant Whip. She previously worked for the Community Trade Union. Kate was born in Bingley and is a very strong, proud Yorkshire woman from a hard working family and lives in the very heart of her constituency in Halifax. Driven by her roots and strong family values – hard work, keeping promises and standing up for what she believe in, Kate does everything she can to help others.

I spent a wonderful day taking photos and joining Kate on various events throughout a busy Friday in May 2025. This portrait was made high on a hill with the backdrop of the town she loves and serves, Halifax.

Outside of work Kate enjoys spending time with her family and weekend walks in the Yorkshire Dales to recharge the batteries.

jayneodell.com/

Photographed by Sue Wright

I met Carla Denyer on an overcast afternoon in Bristol, at the Arnolfini café. She was exactly as I’d hoped—open, warm, and fully present despite a busy diary—arriving in a beautiful pre-loved suit that felt spot on for her: smart, sustainable, quietly confident.

We started indoors, making the most of the soft light, then crossed the Harbourside bridge to M Shed—once a 1950s transit shed, now a museum—the backdrop nodding to Bristol’s habit of renewing itself. Carla is an engineer-turned-MP who helped bring about the first Climate Emergency declaration by a European town or city, and she won Bristol Central with a record Green Party vote share.

After we finished by the cargo cranes, she moved straight to the next item in her diary: recording a short video inviting more people to step into politics and represent the Green Party in their own communities. With louder division and everyday pressures—from climate change to the cost of living—that invitation felt timely.

Walking back along the harbour, I was reminded that a portrait can be more than a likeness; it can carry a bit of hope.

@suewrightuppington

Photographed by Kat Mahale

www.feelmorecreative.org/ @feelmorecreative

Photographed by Jayne Odell FRPS

Anna Dixon is a British Labour Party politician who has been Member of Parliament for Shipley, West Yorkshire since 2024. She read social and political science at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and then moved onto the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the London School of Economics where she was awarded a PhD in social policy in 2007.

Anna is a dedicated and active feminist and spoke about ‘Courage calls to courage everywhere’, the quote by the British suffragist Millicent Fawcett in her maiden speech. Anna is also Chair of Christians on the Left.

I spent a wonderful hour or so with Anna in London, photographing her in a few of her favourite, quieter spaces, close to Parliament. Anna’s faith is extremely important to her, and this gentle portrait captures Anna taking a moment of thoughtful reflection in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, her peaceful haven.

Outside of Anna’s parliamentary work she enjoys hill walking in the Yorkshire Moors and Dales as well as gardening, knitting and baking.

www.jayneodell.com 

Photographed by Michelle Webster

Smantha Dixon is the MP for Chester North and Neston. Elected in December 2022, holding the City of Chester seat for Labour in a by-election.

Sam grew up in rural Cheshire and continues to live in Chester with her family. She is a proud Cestrian and advocate for the city. For 12 years, Sam served as a local authority councillor representing residents in Chester city centre. She was the first female leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, holding the post from 2015 to 2019. During this time Sam was instrumental in delivering Storyhouse, establishing the first council-led Poverty Truth Commission in the country, and helped bring forward the first phase of the Northgate Development.

Sam’s public service was recognised in 2022, with an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee honours list for political services. Sam chose to have her images taken at Storyhouse. More than just a cultural landmark. One of those places that feels like it was made for the whole community, not just for performances or reading. For Sam, it’s a place where Chester’s past and present come together, it holds a special place in her heart. As a child, she came here when it was the Odeon, watching films on the big screen long before its transformation into the award-winning Storyhouse we know today. Returning now, she finds the same magic, the warm hum of people gathering, stories being shared and creativity thriving in every corner.

www.michellewebsterva.com / @michellewebster.v.a

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Dame Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East. Elected to the European Parliament in 2014 and then elected to the House of Commons in 2017. In the 2024 election she was made International Development Minister and later Women and Equalities Minister of State.

The whole 40% project is a collaborative process between the MP and the photographer. Anneliese had some ideas, I had visited Oxford and got some ideas of my own, we then had a great time trying them out. Anneliese was the first MP that I photographed, and I was a little apprehensive but I found a charming lady who joined in the spirit of the shoot and the time flew by. It was obvious that she is very much part of her constituency and very well liked. I really enjoyed my time with her.

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Sarah Louise Ramsay

Helena Dollimore, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Hastings and Rye since the 2024 General Election.

It was a pleasure to meet and photograph Helena on a picturesque April day. Despite the weather problems earlier in the year we held out for Hastings’ beach and promenade as the perfect backdrop for our portrait.

Helena interests focus on social mobility and water pollution. Born and raised in East Sussex, she transitioned from a career in international development with Save the Children and a role as a Director at Unilever to politics. Her work with Save the Children took her to refugee camps and war zones, including Bangladesh and Yemen, where she contributed to protecting vulnerable children globally. In her political career, Helena has served on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and currently acts as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. She holds a degree in History and Politics from St Hilda’s College, Oxford University.

During the Covid pandemic, Helena volunteered as a vaccinator in Hastings, aiding in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

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

Photographed by Sinead Le Blond

Rosie Duffield has represented Canterbury since 2017, sitting first as a Labour MP, and currently as an independent. From the moment I met Rosie, she was warm, welcoming, funny and friendly. She holds strong opinions that not everyone will agree with and like all MPs, has had her professional and private life scrutinised in granular detail by the press. However, I was struck by her passion for doing right by her constituents, her energy and enthusiasm, and her willingness to stick to her guiding principles. We chatted non-stop for the hour I spent with her, and I honestly could have continued the conversation all afternoon.

I met Rosie at Friends Meeting House in the heart of her constituency. It’s an oasis of calm and provided a wealth of locations for photos, from the room at the front with beautiful, muted light coming through the windows, to the shade of the trees in the garden that shielded us from the heat of the day. We’re both massive animal lovers, so imagine our cries of delight when a little ginger kitten decided to photobomb the shoot!

sineadleblondphoto.com/

Photographed by Katy Docking

Liberal Democrats Glastonbury and Somerton

I met Sarah at Ham Hill in her Somerset constituency of Glastonbury and Somerton. Sarah had just had a tour of the new visitor centre that is being built at Ham Hill. When I arrived Sarah was back at the rangers station. The kettle was on, Sarah’s gorgeous dogs were with her and she was discussing the various countryside and wildlife schemes that are taking place across the across the county. Sarah’s passion for animals, wildlife and the Somerset countryside were immediately obvious and Sarah told me that her family has a long history of farming in Somerset.

We walked along the ham stone paths towards the war monument to our intended location where we were greeted by the sweeping views over Somerset, as well as a pretty wild and bitingly cold wind! The conditions didn’t put us off and we persevered, trying out various locations and trying to time the shots for the brief moments when the wind dropped. Eventually the clouds moved away and our patience was rewarded with calmer conditions.

Thinking we’d done all we could we headed back to the car park, only to find the most beautiful golden hour light waiting for us on the other side of the hill and of course we couldn’t resist getting another couple of portraits in!

I was incredibly grateful to Sarah for the generosity she showed with her time on this shoot and that really is a testament to her commitment to being part of this project.

www.katydocking.com / @katydocking

Photographed by Meghana Geetha

Dame Angela Eagle MP was elected as a Labour MP in 1992 and has represented Wallasey for the past 34 years. She has held multiple offices of state, including Minister for Border Security and most recently, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs.

Making Angela’s portrait was quite the challenge. I had 20 minutes in the afternoon sun, positioned on the busy stretch of South Bank. The conditions were anything but ideal but we rolled with the punches - A shared theme in a photographer and politician’s job.

Angela smiled through the glaring sun and I think that captures her essence. Prior to life in Parliament, Angela played chess internationally for England when she was younger and attended the University of Oxford, later becoming the first woman to be an honorary fellow. She was the first lesbian in Parliament to come out of her own volition in 1997 and cut her teeth in the trade union movement, advocating for workers’ rights. 

@meghanageethaa / www.meghanageetha.com 

Photographed by Michelle Webster

Maria Eagle has deep roots in Merseyside and a long record of public service shaped by community, fairness and social justice. First elected as MP for Liverpool Garston in 1997, she has represented South Liverpool and Halewood for almost three decades, living locally and maintaining a strong connection to the people and places she serves.

Before entering Parliament, she worked in the voluntary sector and trained as a solicitor in Liverpool. Her legal work brought her into contact with the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, an experience that later informed her steadfast campaigning for justice for bereaved families.

For this portrait, we chose locations that reflected both Maria’s constituency and her personal story. We photographed at the original Strawberry Field gates, a site she is particularly proud to be connected to as both one of the few MPs whose constituency includes a connection to the Beatles and an original Beatles fan. Yet it was Speke Hall that ultimately resonated most strongly.

During the shoot, Maria spoke warmly about her connection to this landscape and her appreciation for its sense of continuity. The yews, both fragile and resilient, seemed a fitting metaphor for her values. Rooted in history, yet constantly growing. Shaped by the past, yet very much alive in the present. As we worked together beneath their sheltering canopy, there was a shared sense that this was more than just a portrait. The image speaks to leadership shaped by heritage, community and care for the world that came before us. It reminds us that history is not static, it lives through the people who walk within it, protect it, and carry its stories forward.

www.michellewebsterva.com  / @michellewebster.v.a

Photographed by Allyson Klein

Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance Party MP for Lagan Valley. I met Sorcha Eastwood on a glorious day in early June, the sun was out and the air temperature was quite pleasant. When I arrived at her office, Ms. Eastwood's assistant told me she would meet me at the park nearby and that she only had ten minutes. With that in mind, I made sure to make the most of our time together. When she got out of her car I was struck by not only by her commanding presence and beauty but also at the sight of her bright pink stilettos. Ms. Eastwood had complete mastery of those heels even as we trekked over grass and stones (I’m in awe). When I asked Ms. Eastwood about her high-heels, she said they were extremely comfortable and that she wears them for long stretches while working in the House of Commons. She also said she had no issues walking long distances in them either. I realised then that her shoes had to be part of the story. But her real superpower is not in the height of her heel but in the size of her heart.

She exudes compassion and empathy for others while also showing strength in her convictions. In addition to fighting for disability rights in Northern Ireland, she is also very passionate about basic human dignity being afforded to all. Ms. Eastwood is a wonderful example of how females in politics can show up with devotion, resilience and commitment while still having a tender spirit.

www.storiesandlightphotography.com / www.instagram.com/storiesandlightphotography

Photographed by Flavia Fraser-Cannon

Cat Eccles is Labour MP for Stourbridge. Cat and I started taking photos the moment I got off the train on a bright sunny day this summer - using the distinctive tiles of Stourbridge Junction as a backdrop and hoping for an appearance from George, the station cat. Felines did seem to be a bit of a theme of the day – passing the house given entirely in trust to cats after the passing of its owner, and discussing a local animal shelter approaching Cat to socialise some kittens in the coming weeks.

It was Cat’s name that drew me to request permission to take her portrait for this project in fact – scanning my eye down the list of MPs available, hers leapt out as the same as an ex-girlfriend of a dear friend (I did know she wasn’t the same person). When I reached out and had a coffee with her I couldn’t have been happier - Cat is down to earth, genuine and just a little impish. She was born and raised in and around her constituency, she knows it so well and clearly cares deeply. Our afternoon together took in the canals, one of the UK’s last remaining glass cones, and the aforementioned station - plus numerous warm and familiar interactions with local people.

She gives her time and energy so generously, I was struck what a huge responsibility it is to be an MP, especially a female one.

www.frasercannon.com / @flaviafcphotography

Photographed by Jane Robb

Lauren Edwards is the Labour MP for Rochester and Strood. We met on a gorgeous sunny Friday in her constituency, and spent an hour walking around the street area of Medway known locally as 'the Intra', taking portraits against the backgrounds of some of the recently renovated historic buildings. Lauren was extremely generous with her time, and clearly passionate about her core issues of economic and social regeneration in Medway.

creativevalues.wixsite.com/janerobb

Photographed by Rahimat Onize Shaibu

Sarah Edwards is the Labour MP for Tamworth. Since entering Parliament, she has focused on supporting families, strengthening local communities, and ensuring people feel heard and represented. Approachable and thoughtful, she brings a strong sense of care and commitment to both her constituency and her national role.

I met Sarah at Tamworth Castle, a historic site closely connected to the identity of the area she represents. At the start of our session, we spoke about the kind of portrait she felt drawn to. She mentioned how much she loved the textures within the building, particularly the aged wooden doors and the character in the stone flooring. We explored several areas of the castle, but the portrait she ultimately selected was taken near the entrance, exactly where those textures came together. The worn wood and patterned floor created a timeless backdrop that echoed the sense of history and continuity within the space.

Sarah also chose to include her dog, Poykee, who was named Westminster Dog of the Year in 2025, bringing warmth and personality into the frame. This created a gentle balance between her public role and her personal life. Photographing her in a location layered with centuries of history felt symbolic — a reminder that today’s Parliament includes women whose presence continues to reshape spaces once defined by tradition alone. Being part of this project reinforced how powerful it is to create portraits that feel human, grounded, and lasting.

@rahimart_

Photographed by Allie Crewe ARPS

Maya Ellis, Labour MP for Ribble Valley. I was immediately drawn to Maya’s calm dignity, warmth, and sharp sense of humour. Photographing her in her local church—just next door to the Roman Fort—felt like the perfect setting: rooted, timeless, and quietly powerful, much like her. I'm a big fan of her work and her vision for bringing about positive change.

Maya was elected as a Labour MP in 2024 and is part of a strong new wave of women in her party. She lives in a historic village in the Ribble Valley with her family and is deeply connected to her community—having attended Ribchester Primary School and Longridge High School. She went on to study French and English Literature at Lancaster University, later earning both an MBA from Lancaster and a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire.

www.allie-crewe.uk

Photographed by Allie Crewe ARPS

Kirith Entwistle, Labour MP for Bolton North East was elected in 2024 and is a force for change in the North West. She had asked to create a portrait with me outside the Town Hall, I pointed out that she is no longer denied power and has 'access' to these spaces now. We spent a fun hour in the Mayor's Parlour and this grand backdrop lends her the status she deserves.

www.allie-crewe.uk

Photographed by Flavia Fraser-Cannon

Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green.  Florence Eshalomi and I grew up about three miles and two years apart in South East London - a recent boundary re-draw sadly means she no longer represents her own neighborhood, whilst still looking after mine. When we were in the initial stage of finding time to discuss this project, she actually rang my doorbell on her local rounds, unaware her assistant Harry and I had been chatting!

The constituency of Vauxhall and Camberwell Green has a plethora of brilliant potential places to take photos - the Southbank alone has the NT, Royal Festival Hall, The London Eye, all the sculptures and iconic architecture - but I was quietly harbouring a hope we might end up where we did… Both Florence and I had our children at St Thomas’ hospital, standing opposite Parliament on the south side of Westminster Bridge (50% of which is also under Florence’s guardianship). Outside the hospital, striding purposefully towards the Palace of Westminster is a larger than life statue of Mary Seacole - the pioneering British nurse and businesswoman famous for her work during the Crimean War, the first black woman to write her autobiography in the UK.

Armed with just one key light, Florence in a vibrant red suit, and bright sunshine to catch the edge of her hair, we joined Mary for our photoshoot. We completed the whole session in just twenty minutes, as when you have some great shots under your belt, you just know.

www.frasercannon.com / @flaviafcphotography

Photographed by Heather Shuker

Dr Miatta Nema Fahnbulleh is a British-Sierra Leonean economist and Labour Co-op politician serving as the MP for Peckham since July 2024. She was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 6 September 2025, having previously served at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Her portfolio includes English devolution, local growth, and faith, communities and social cohesion.

In this role, she draws on an extensive policy background, having worked as CEO of the New Economics Foundation, at IPPR, and as Head of Cities in the Cabinet Office policy unit. She is a strong advocate for progressive economic policy and the green transition, and is passionate about the Government’s devolution and “Pride in Place” agenda, arguing that communities should have the power and resources to shape their own futures after years of underinvestment.

Born in Sierra Leone, her family fled in 1986 and found refuge within the Sierra Leonean community in Peckham. Miatta credits this community with instilling the values of compassion and solidarity that shape her politics today. She is dedicated to her vibrant and diverse constituency, focusing on housing, youth opportunity, and support for local businesses.

I reached out to photograph Miatta as I have strong connections to both Peckham and Sierra Leone. I lived in Sierra Leone in 2003 and continue to work on photography projects in Freetown. Her portrait was taken at Peckham Theatre, where she is also a Trustee.

www.heathershuker.co.uk/ 

Photographed by Mallory Mercer

Linsey Farnsworth, MP for Labour was elected in July 2024 to represent Amber Valley in Derbyshire. Raised in neighbouring Erewash, she was the first member of her family to attend university. Her father worked as a coal miner before retraining as a bricklayer following the decline of the coal industry, instilling in her a strong sense of resilience and local community. Linsey qualified as a solicitor and worked for the Crown Prosecution Service for over two decades. She is very proud to represent the constituency she raised her family in. She was elected as a councillor on Amber Valley Borough Council in 2023, before being elected as the Member of Parliament for Amber Valley in 2024. Linsey has dedicated much of her adult life to public service, championing fairness, access to justice, and local community development.

This portrait was taken at Crossley Park in Ripley, a location of personal and community significance. Crossley Park is home to one of Amber Valley Borough Council's commemorative 'Daffodil' benches, installed in recognition of the Covid-19 Day of Reflection on 9 March 2025. These benches, featuring daffodil-inspired designs, serve as lasting tributes to those lost during the pandemic and offer spaces for quiet remembrance and reflection. The inclusion of this setting in the photograph underscores Linsey's commitment to community and remembrance, reflecting her deep connection to the people and places she serves. I wanted to capture a relaxed portrait in a location that Linsey felt comfortable in, using a long lens 70-200mm, to avoid the nervousness of having a camera too close, as neither of us like being in front of a lens by choice.

Photographed by Sofia Conti ARPS

Patricia Ferguson is the Labour MP for Glasgow West. Through our collaborative discussions Patricia suggested being photographed at a local play park in Drumchapel. This area has links back to the Roman empire as the area was occupied around 2000 years ago. Patricia is very passionate about history and in particular the Roman era. Incorporating the wood carved Roman statues within the children’s play park, which is accessible to the local housing, lets the youth of today see how deep the history is within Drumchapel. Drumchapel has always had a combination of rural and social housing. The water tower helped to give life to Drumchapel, as without it the area would not have been viable. There previously used to be tenement buildings located here.

Over the years there has been positive changes to allow the development of new homes to be constructed for the people of Drumchapel to not only have affordable housing, but so everyone can have their own garden. Poverty has been a historic issue for Drumchapel, and this is something Patricia has been proactively tackling to make significant improvements that will aid her constituencies healthy life expectancy.

Patricia believes that quality housing is an essential part of influencing a person’s health and wellbeing. With Patricia’s connection to the community, drive, dedication, and hard work will inevitably aid with eradication poverty.

www.sofiaconti.photography / instagram.com/sofiaconti.photography

Photographed by Soundarya Thandapani

Natalie is the first female MP for Bolsover in Derbyshire. Elected to Parliament in 2024, she has quickly established herself as a powerful advocate for survivors, speaking openly about her experience of being groomed and becoming a mother at fifteen. In 2025, she led the successful campaign to remove parental responsibility from men who father children through rape, with her amendment adopted into the Victims and Courts Bill. Her work in Parliament is defined by a clear commitment to justice, accountability, and the empowerment of women.

I met Natalie at the Houses of Parliament on a busy day, introduced by her press manager, Rebecca. From the outset, she brought a warm, energetic presence. We spoke briefly about the 40% Project, and she reflected with pride on the fact that women now make up around half of MPs in Parliament, acknowledging progress while remaining attentive to the work still unfolding.

Moving through the building, photographing in spaces shaped by history and institutional authority, there was a palpable sense of how women now occupy spaces once largely closed to them, bringing new perspectives into places long defined by continuity and power. Natalie moved in front of the camera with confidence and ease, calm and gracious yet assured, embodying both who she is and what she stands for.

As we continued, we came across New Dawn, a contemporary illuminated sculpture whose light responds to the tidal flow of the River Thames, symbolising the rising presence and power of women within Parliament. Standing beneath it, Natalie spoke fondly about the Barbie film and its playful yet pointed take on matriarchy and empowerment. The moment felt fitting, a reminder that conversations around equality can exist across generations, forms, and tones. As the shoot came to a close, I left feeling energised by Natalie’s conviction and generosity of spirit.

Photographing her within such an esteemed and historic institution reinforced the importance of representation and the impact of women who use their voices to create tangible change. Being able to document even a small part of that journey felt both humbling and deeply meaningful.

www.soundaryathandapani.com  / @soundarya_photography

Photographed by Michaela Simpson

Emma Foody MP was elected to represent the new constituency of Cramlington and Killingworth in the 2024 general election for the Labour (Co-op) Party. Emma grew up in the very community she now serves, where her family has lived for generations. Her deep roots in the area inspired her to stand for Parliament. She is passionate about the potential of her communities and the wider region and is proud to be their voice in Westminster.

In Parliament, Emma champions local issues through debates and questions, meets regularly with Ministers and organisations, and works closely with her constituency team to support residents. Through advice surgeries and ongoing casework, she ensures that local people have direct access to help when they need it. Emma deals with a wide range of issues and is currently campaigning to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, improve support for children with SEND, push for estate adoption, reform leasehold, fix potholes, and secure better local bus services through her Big Bus Survey.

Due to continuing bad weather, our original outdoor shoot location had to be changed to an indoor setting. Emma was generous with her time, and Adam from her constituency team kindly assisted on the day. Reflecting the times we live in, there were understandable security concerns, so care was taken to ensure the location was not identifiable — hence the more tightly cropped portrait.

simpson-studios.com / @simpsonstudios35mm

Photographed by Gabriella Karney

I met Catherine, Labour MP for Monmouthshire, by the River Wye in her beautiful constituency of Monmouthshire on a late summer afternoon. She had asked for her portrait to be taken by the river, a fitting choice given her tireless campaigning to end river pollution and restore the health of both the Usk and Wye.

Catherine told me that she grew up in the countryside, where her love of nature and the environment first inspired her career as an environmental campaigner. It was clear from our conversation how deeply rooted she is in Monmouthshire and the countryside: she has lived there for 25 years, and spent countless happy hours kayaking, swimming, or walking along the riverbanks with her family. Catherine’s passion goes far beyond environmental issues. Her other key focuses are advocating for women’s rights and tackling violence against women and girls. Her support for The 40% Project is deeply rooted in her time as CEO of a women’s equality charity, where she worked to help more women step into politics. She is equally committed to boosting Monmouthshire’s local economy through improving transport infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and strengthening high streets.

We spent a wonderful time by the river searching for the perfect spot and enjoying all that nature had to offer—spotting herons, swans, and butterflies, while watching others enjoy water sports, hiking, and dog walks. The Wye Valley, often described as the birthplace of British tourism, with its sweeping river scenery, provided the most stunning backdrop to the photograph.

www.capturedbygabi.com

Photographed by Eve Milner ARPS

Vicky Foxcroft has been an MP continually since 2015, and is currently the Labour MP for Lewisham North in south-east London, where she has lived since moving to London over 25 years ago. Always a strong advocate for the disabled, she draws on her lived experience with disability. She champions co-production with disabled communities, opposes harmful cuts to disability benefits, and promotes policies which ensure inclusion, accessibility, and dignity. Such is her commitment that she resigned her post as Government Whip in 2025 over the government’s plans to cut disability benefits.

I always ask my sitters to choose a location for the shoot which means something important to them, and Vicky asked me to come to her constituency office. As I walked up from a grey, traffic-snarled New Cross Road, I took in the surrounding sprawling social housing estates, railway lines, and allotments, and realised I was about to meet an MP who clearly puts the heart of her work in the physical heartland of her constituency.

Nothing prepared me for the joyous and skilful scarlet street art blazing over the walls and security shutters of Vicky’s constituency office – art created by local school children in the form of a red London double-decker bus. Inside, the offices were jauntily decorated with artwork done by local schools. As we chatted over a cup of tea, we shared our mutual frustration at the limitations of Methotrexate in dealing with crippling arthritis, and what an unseen disability this can be. Vicky’s absolute favourite things to do as an MP are school visits – she loves the honesty and wide range of the children’s questions, and being able to enjoy a close interaction with the next generation, the future. She loved the idea of being photographed in front of the red bus street art immediately outside. It was in front of this street art on the security shutters that we recalled Jo Cox and David Amess – both MPs murdered in the last 10 years – and I was forcibly struck by the bravery embodied by Vicky, and the huge personal sacrifices involved in a commitment to life as an MP

@evemilnerphotography

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALEXANDRA PRESCOTT MA FRPS

I received a message from the partner of a fellow photographer explaining that she was seriously ill in intensive care, and asking if I could step in to photograph Mary Kelly Foy, Labour MP for the City of Durham, just two days later. With some careful diary reshuffling, I was able to take on the shoot.

On a crisp autumn day, I travelled to Durham city centre to the beautifully refurbished Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall, due to reopen that week. Opened in 1915 and designed by H.T. Gradon in Edwardian Baroque style, Redhills was built to replace the former Miners’ Hall on North Road. It is home to the Pitman’s Parliament and stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of trade union architecture. Mary’s constituency office is based here, reflecting her strong beliefs as a trade unionist, socialist, and advocate for solidarity.

Mary was keen for Redhills to feature in the portrait, and we explored a range of spaces within the building and its grounds, drawing on its rich history and atmosphere. The final image shows Mary seated in the garden, with two marble statues softly visible behind her—part of a group honouring figures who improved miners’ lives: William Crawford, Alexander MacDonald, John Forman and William Hammond Patterson.

Photographing Mary, and hearing about her work and her passion for music, brought into focus the deep cultural heritage of County Durham—an important thread in both her role as an MP and as part of the 40%.

Photographed by Wendy G Davies LRPS

Zoë Franklin, Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford, has lived in the constituency for 25 years and was previously a borough councillor for Bellfields and Slyfield for many years.

Zöe was keen to be photographed in a place with strong personal links. During her time as a councillor, she was instrumental in improving Bellfields Green, a well-loved area of green space that deeply enriches the lives of local residents. Zöe chose this parkland for her portrait - a beautiful oasis in the middle of a large housing estate where her political career began.

Zöe was very generous with her time, rushing from an interview with a local radio station in order to meet me. Her main goal is to be a strong advocate in Westminster for her constituents. The environment, health, and championing the needs of her local communities so that they can thrive are central to her role as an MP, something she does with her naturally collaborative and approachable style.

We chatted about a tree that she’d helped to plant to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The portrait shows Zöe beside this tree and with the iconic, and much-loved, Guildford Cathedral in the background

Photographed by Alice Armstrong

Allison Gardner is the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South. Her political work is closely connected to the history and identity of the Potteries, a place shaped by industry, skill and working-class. Her passion for her constituency is evident in all that she does, her love for the area and people driving her campaigning for local issues.

She also uses her personal and scientific background to aide policy decisions. Allison chose to be photographed at Gladstone Pottery Museum, a former working factory preserved as a record of the city’s industrial past.

The setting reflects her connection to the area’s manufacturing history and stands as a symbol of the labour, craftsmanship and community that continue to define Stoke-on-Trent.

@alicelarmstrong

Photographed by Josie Purcell ARPS

Sunlight shone down through a break in the clouds for my photoshoot with Anna Gelderd, Labour MP for South East Cornwall, along the River Fowey in Lostwithiel. The brightness reflected Anna’s positive spirit to take part in the project, and she arrived, wellies in hand just in case needed.

She accommodated my photographic requests to create a portrait together that connects her to the region she represents, lives in and loves. Anna is a committed conservationist, with a passion for spending time outside and sea swimming. She reassured me when, as a non-swimmer I became a little nervous standing on the wall beside the river to take a photo, explaining she used to work for the RNLI.

During our session, we chatted about life as an MP. Anna candidly spoke about the joy it brings through helping others, but also the challenge of coping with things such as travelling and tiredness. She noted that as a woman, there is still perhaps an additional pressure to always look your best, sharing her secret that dry shampoo is a godsend. As we worked, Anna was stopped by people passing by, with topics such as a wealth tax being raised, and she made time to hear their concerns. Her warmth, listening skills, understated determination and strong commitment to her constituency were evident.

Along with addressing issues of those she represents, such as fairer tolls on the Tamar Bridge, at Westminster she is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministers of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a member of several All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

www.josiepurcellphotography.com / @josieshutterpod

Photographed by Rae Seaman

Gill German is the Labour Member of Parliament for Clwyd North, elected in July 2024 as the first MP for this newly created constituency. Before entering politics, Gill spent over 20 years as a primary school teacher in Denbighshire. Her passion for education and community development led her to serve as Deputy Leader of Denbighshire County Council, where she was also the lead member for Education, Children and Families. These roles laid the foundation for her transition into national politics. Gill is particularly passionate about regenerating town and city centres through arts and culture — especially music and community-led events. She has supported initiatives like the proposed statue of Monty Python legend Terry Jones in Colwyn Bay, his birthplace. Gill chose Theatr Colwyn, one of the oldest working theatres in Wales and where Jones was a patron, as the location for her portrait. She played a key role in securing funding to refurbish the theatre’s seating in 2025. In her first year as MP, Gill helped secure £20 million for Rhyl through the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods, and £10 million in employment support through the Get Britain Working Inactivity Trailblazer, in partnership with Blaenau Gwent and Neath Port Talbot. Gill believes that improving places leads to better outcomes for the people who live there. Her vision is to put towns like Colwyn Bay firmly on the map as destinations for tourism, arts, and culture — celebrating heritage while building a vibrant future.

@sea_rae_photography/ www.searaephotography.com

Photographed by Lia Cordery

Nusrat Ghani is a Conservative Party MP for Sussex Weald since 2015 and has served as a Minister in the Foreign Office, Business and Trade, Cabinet Office, Energy and Net zero, Science and Technology and Transport.

When she was first promoted to the front bench in 2018 as Transport Minister she made history as our first female Muslim Minister. She was also elected by MPs and serves the House of Commons as Chairman of Ways Means and Principal Deputy Speaker. Nusrat is our first ethnic minority elected to sit in the Speaker’s chair in the House of Commons Chamber and for the photo she wanted to be draped in a traditional saree. This is a powerful statement of purpose and achievement, and I was honoured to take her photograph in such a special place.

Before the photo session Nusrat told me about her mother and her limited choices, her childhood in a tough working-class home in Birmingham, and the highs and lows of serving as an MP, Minister and Chairman of Ways and Means. I found it extremely inspirational to meet such a strong smart woman who has made her own career with hard work, decency and determination.

She is the only female MP to be sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party for her work on protecting British Security and Human Rights abuses by China.

Her photo shows her as feminine and charming whilst at the same time being very powerful, smart and strong. This is a British woman who carries great responsibility for our country and our people.

@liacorderyphotos

Photographed by Caroline Black

Tracy Gilbert is the Labour MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, having won the seat in the 2024 general election – the first time she stood. She brings with her a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in senior union leadership.

We met for coffee in her constituency immediately after her morning surgery, bridging the two very different parts of her day. It gave us the chance to connect before the camera was introduced. Tracy exudes that characteristic down-to-earth Scottish warmth. She’s smart, sincere, witty, and reassuringly direct. Above all, she cares about people and community, describing her role as an MP as an honour. It was vital for me to capture something of all this in the portrait. I had previously chosen the location for the shoot based on the morning’s surgery, which had been scheduled in Stockbridge – a popular and well-established area of Edinburgh with a bohemian spirit and vibrant community. An entrance to the Water of Leith Walkway offered ample opportunity for both architectural and natural settings. The chosen portrait places Tracy in the foreground. The traditional Edinburgh stonework behind her suggests the solid structure of power and resiliency. The railings are symbolic of the suffragette movement and the barriers that Tracy – and other women in parliament – are in the process of overcoming. But it is Tracy’s interaction with the railings that gives this portrait its punctum; her gaze and reach gesture towards that legacy, in quiet recognition.

website: caroline.black / Instagram: Caroline.black_photography

Photographed by Stefania Distante ARPS

Preet Gill Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston.  When I met Preet Gill to make her portrait, what struck me was the mix of pride and professionalism she carried. As we walked through the neighbourhood where she was born and raised, she spoke warmly about her father, well known as the number 11 bus driver, the school she attended, the one her daughters now attend, and the park where she used to play. Each stop was a memory and a reminder of the responsibility she now carries. Her personal story is unavoidably tied to her public duty.

As we continued, her tone shifted as she spoke about the challenges facing her community. She explained the problems with exempt accommodation, housing meant to support vulnerable people, but which too often leaves them and their neighbourhoods at risk. She has fought for stronger action against rogue landlords, citing the closure of Saif Lodge as a victory, though she knows the wider problem requires systemic reform.

That same determination came through when we reached Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Preet Gill has called for an independent inquiry into University Hospitals Birmingham, highlighting a toxic culture of bullying, staff burnout, service failures, and patient risks. For her, these aren’t statistics, but they are real people, and she has been relentless in pressing both the Trust and central government for accountability and meaningful change.

I saw someone deeply rooted in her past, fiercely protective of her community, and unafraid to fight for its future. A leader whose personal history and public commitment are inseparably connected.

Photographed by Sue Macpherson ARPS

Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead. Rachel Gilmour is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for the newly formed constituency of Tiverton and Minehead. She won her seat in the 2024 general election

I met Rachel at her home in Bampton and she greeted me in her wonderfully elegant and colourful outfit saying that she didn’t want to come across as too formal.

Rachel has deep roots in the Somerset and Devon region, having spent much of her life there and her background includes experience of the National Farmers’ Union and head of strategy at the Environment Agency, which gives her relevant knowledge for the rural constituency she represents.

Rachel was generous with her time and we had about an hour together. We were both amused to find out that we had been to the same Junior School, although not in the same years. I took photographs inside and out and preferred the natural lighting and more relaxed images produced outside.

suemacpherson.co.uk / @macpherson1905

Photographed by Rae Seaman

“I’m Becky from the block.” In July 2024, Becky Gittins made history as the first elected MP for the newly created Clwyd East constituency in North Wales. At just 30, she’s among the youngest Members of Parliament—and one of the few women to serve while expecting a child.

Raised in Bagillt and educated at the University of Warwick, Becky’s political fire was lit in her late teens, as Brexit debates rages and politics was becoming volatile. She threw herself into activism, campaigning against youth violence and for women’s safety. That same drive led her from student politics to trade union work, where she championed workers’ rights during the pandemic, which, in turn, led to Parliament.

Becky’s priorities are rooted in lived experience: allergy awareness, green energy, and fair treatment for working people. When I asked what she hoped people would feel when they saw her portrait, she didn’t hesitate: “Kind. Strong. Normal.” She wants people to know she is still a normal person; she still curls up on the sofa in her pyjamas with her husband and dog.

We chose Greenfield Valley’s weathered ruins as her backdrop. The stone walls—scarred but standing—echo her resilience. As time erodes the past, it also nurtures new beginnings—Becky’s pregnancy symbolising life emerging from legacy. A woman rooted in history, blossoming into motherhood. With 40% of UK Parliament now made up of women, Becky—herself facing daily resistance from opposing parties—embodies the rise of female power: gentle, fierce, and timeless.

@sea_rae_photography/ www.searaephotography.com

Photographed by Michaela Simpson

Mary Glindon is the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend. Before that, she represented North Tyneside from 2010 until the constituency was abolished in 2024. She got her start in politics as a councillor for Battle Hill Ward and has spent years championing her communities on everything from welfare and education to climate issues.

I met Mary at her favourite spot overlooking the River Tyne, down at the southern edge of her constituency. Even though she had a packed schedule, she greeted me warmly and took the time to chat about my background, even though I’m still pretty new to the area. That morning, a cruise ship was docked on the Tyne behind her, and the cold wind reminded us both that this is a northern city through and through. We worked through a few quick setups, and the final photo captured not just Mary’s approachable, friendly side, but also the industrial skyline that’s such a big part of Newcastle’s character.

Mary’s political career really reflects the city she serves: principled, steady, and connected to the people around her. She’s served on key parliamentary committees, been a PPS, and worked as an opposition Whip from 2020 to 2024. Known for her thoughtful views—from opposing the badger cull to standing up for those in need—Mary continues to focus on representing her constituents and making a real difference in their lives. I really enjoyed spending time with Mary.

As my MP, it was wonderful to sit down and chat - we could’ve talked all day, she has a busy schedule and needed to take a pre-arranged call with a constituent. Still, she made me feel welcome, and I’m looking forward to taking her up on her kind offer to come by again for a cuppa.

simpson-studios.com / @simpsonstudios35mm

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Marie Goldman Liberal Democrat MP Chelmsford Marie decided to go into politics after the Leave vote in 2016, it was no good just sitting back and accepting it she needed to do something about it so stood for the Liberal Democrats at the 2019 election but lost to the incumbent MP.

In 2024 she completely turned the tables not only winning with a majority of over 4,700 but became the 1st non Conservative MP since1950. For the last 20 years Marie has made Chelmsford her home, bringing up their 2 children and running a business with her husband. Walking around the town it was very apparent that she takes her responsibility of being the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities very seriously, helping improve GP services and affordable housing amongst other projects. I have always been a fan of street art and found some great art in Chelmsford all thanks to Concrete Canvas who sponsor a yearly festival for street art.

I was especially pleased when after trying out another location Marie visibly relaxed in the doorway decorated by Ansley Randall.

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Kristy Gosling

Jodie Gosling is the first female MP for Nuneaton winning her seat in the landslide Labour win of July 2024. With a background in education, she is particularly passionate about improving opportunities for children and young people with SEND, as well as seeing more children take part in outdoor learning. Jodie has been involved in local politics since September 2016 when she ran for her local council seat to save the local leisure centre from closure due to financial cuts. Educational inequality is also a key issue for Jodie; she founded her own not-for-profit community nursery to ensure children in her local village had access to early years education. One of her key ambitions as an MP is restore pride in her town of Nuneaton, prioritising community investment and access to new opportunities.

The 40% project is especially exciting for me as Jodie and I are sisters and empowering women and enabling women’s networks is something close to both our hearts.

The shoot was really relaxed and there are many other images from the shoot of us laughing together; I like to think this shows in the image.

It’s so important to us to celebrate the record number of women in parliament as a milestone in the long journey towards proportionate representation in parliament.

www.kristygosling.com

Photographed by Lia Cordery

Georgia Gould is a Labour politician who has been a Member of Parliament for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale since the 2024 general elections. She has served as a Minister of State for school standards since 2025.

Georgia wanted to be photographed at the Avenues Youth Project, a place that offers free after-school and holiday activities for children and young people. It is a space where the local community comes together, and where young people are supported, encouraged, and inspired. She chose to have her portrait taken in front of the huge mural created by a local artist. The entire wall is a powerful collage made from dozens of photographs of community members, all taken at the youth centre during activities and events. The mural represents unity, belonging, and shared experiences. Georgia’s passion is children’s education. She spoke about how deeply she cares about the future of children from all backgrounds.

She believes they are the future of the country and that every child deserves opportunity and support. Her love for the local community is just as strong. She wanted to be captured alongside it — surrounded by the faces and stories that make up the community she cares about so deeply.

@liacorderyphotos

Photographer Catherine Smith 

Helen Grant OBE, has served as Conservative MP for 15 years, most recently elected in 2024 to represent the newly formed Maidstone and Malling constituency in The Garden of England, Kent.

Currently serving as Shadow Solicitor General, having previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, Justice and also Minister for Sport and Tourism.

I met Helen at her home one Saturday morning in July where this photograph was captured in the fields behind. Her choice of using such a personal location reflects her deep connection to her community, along with the person I met. One who was both warm and charismatic, completely at ease with balancing the role of public office with genuine approachability.

For me, this portrait offers a privileged and rare viewpoint of both the woman and MP. Rooted deep in the heart of her constituency, Helen is beneath a vast clouded sky, her gaze one of quiet determination and unwavering resolve. There’s a strength in her expression, a steady confidence that she is ready to face whatever lies ahead, always looking for the light beyond.

During our time together we spoke about many things but it was her acknowledgement that she was ‘built for tough things’ that stayed with me. I see that resolute strength mirrored in this portrait

Photographed by Angela Crosti

Sarah Green, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham

Sarah’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and her ability to connect with people is palpable. I felt immediately at ease photographing her, and her engagement with the 40% project made everything run smoothly. She suggested having her photograph taken in a place close to her heart: the River Chess, at a location which has recently been restored into an attractive recreational ground for local families, schools, and nurseries.

Sarah quickly changed into her wellies to have her portrait taken in the chalk stream, which flows clearly in its newly restored gravel bed. The sun is shining; the air is crisp and scented with wildflowers and blackberries. She has carefully chosen the accessories to wear: a distinctive orange scarf gifted by her partner and her late mum’s engagement ring. She stands in the water rooted: her sense of belonging reflects her deep connection to the place and the community she represents.

Sarah lives in Chesham and was elected MP for Chesham and Amersham in the June 2021 by-election. She is championing the local environment and supporting local people, small businesses, and the self-employed.

@angelacrosti_photography

Photographed by Deborah Hutt

I had the pleasure of meeting Lilian Greenwood Labour MP in Nottingham South, the constituency she has proudly represented since 2010. As Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport, her passion for infrastructure began with a bold push to extend the city’s tram network — a vision sparked in her first term and successfully realised when lines 2 and 3 opened to passengers in 2015.

In 2025, fifteen years on, Lilian remains deeply committed to the place she calls home. During our shoot, Lilian guided me through one of her favourite parts of constituency, The Meadows. Throughout our tour of this inner city estate her deep knowledge and genuine care for the local community shone through at every turn. The portrait was taken beside one of twelve “story poles,” carved by local artists from ancient lime trees felled to make way for the tram line. Fittingly, this one depicts “transport”.

@debshutt

Photographed by Lisa J Brinkworth

Dame Nia Griffith is the Labour MP for Llanelli and has been doing the job for the last 20 years. When I asked her what she enjoys the most about her role, she said she enjoys enacting change on both a local level, with the development of a community hub for her constituents, and at government level with her role as parliamentary under-secretary of state (Department for Education).

We met in Burry Port, a coastal town and the place where Amelia Earheart landed in 1928, making her the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. This felt a rather fitting location to celebrate that 40% of the seats in Parliament are now held by women. Dame Nia was a great sport, posing for me in the rain with Kidwelly castle in the background. Nothing says Wales like a spot of rain and a castle! Before the shoot she mentioned that as her constituency is a coastal town, she is often photographed next to a wall or some sort of wind break to mitigate the windswept look.

I really hoped to deliver a strong portrait where she didn’t need to hide from the elements. I accompanied Dame Nia back to the local community centre where she was hosting an advice clinic. Her care for her constituents was obvious, as she dropped out of our shoot to greet a man who had just walked in and helped him to navigate the different advice stalls.

@ljbrinkworth_photography  / www.ljbrinkworth.co.uk 

Photographed by Jules Renahan

Alison Griffiths, Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

When I first spoke with Alison, her passion for the sea came across immediately. A keen open water swimmer and advocate for the coast, Alison has made protecting the marine environment and tackling sea pollution key priorities in her work as an MP, alongside championing coastal regeneration and community life.

When planning the shoot, we both felt that the portrait should be taken in a setting that would capture Alison’s connection to the sea and her commitment to the people who live by it. Aldwick Beach, Bognor Regis felt like the natural choice.

On this balmy September afternoon, the conditions were so perfect that we both decided to take the plunge and get into the sea to capture a perspective that included the Bognor coastline with the beach huts and pier subtly in the background.  Shooting in the water was a first for me, but it felt fitting to share this experience together.

We finished the shoot at West Park Café, a much-loved local spot and a true community hub where Alison is greeted like an old friend. Owner Anne generously treated us to  apple crumble and tea to warm us up.

Alison was enthusiastic and approachable throughout the creative process and spoke warmly about her hopes for her constituency and her pride in representing it. Together I feel we’ve created an image that captures not only her confidence and authenticity, but also the spirit of the coastline she loves.

www.julesrphotography.co.uk  / @julesrphotography

Photographed by Katrina Campbell

Amanda Hack has been the Labour MP for North West Leicestershire since 2024. Prior to that she worked for 20 years for a housing association, and was appointed as Councillor to Leicestershire County Council in 2017.

The Snibston Colliery Park was a perfect location for the photoshoot. Located in the centre of Coalville, its presence celebrates the area’s rich mining history that Amanda and her constituents are so proud of.  We reflected on the importance of this project to document the number of women MPs in parliament and to celebrate the achievements of the last 100 years. Even though women were allowed to vote in 1918, this privilege was initially only extended to those over 30, and the wealthy. We would both have been excluded!

As we walked around the old colliery buildings, Amanda greeted everyone she met. Her personality shone through as someone capable of taking on a challenge, happy to represent everyone regardless of their political leaning, and doing so with charm. She talked with enthusiasm about her work, in particular about improving transport links, by reopening the railway line, as well as championing her local towns of Ashby de la Zouch and Coalville in their bids to be named UK town of culture. 

This photograph includes the old industrial buildings which convey a sense of history, whilst looking optimistically towards the future, with Amanda’s bright pink jacket bringing a flash of femininity and modernity.

www.katrinacampbell.net 

Photographed by Nicola Tree

Louise Haigh has been the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley since 2015. She made history as the youngest woman ever appointed to the Cabinet, serving as Transport Secretary from July to November 2025. I’ve photographed Louise several times before for Getty Images, always in a photojournalistic capacity while she was at work. So this shoot was a welcome change — a chance to collaborate in the studio and take a more creative approach. When she arrived, the first thing she said was, “I’m back, and I have a new campaign.” That campaign is ‘Stop Employers Covering Up Abuse’, which seeks to ban the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent employees from speaking out about harassment or discrimination in the workplace. You can find the petition here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-employers-covering-up-abuse-1

We spent about an hour shooting. I had prepared a couple of steel backdrops — one rusted, the other a dark gunmetal. We also experimented with a cherry-red backdrop and used colour gels on the lights for effect.

Louise is known for her striking hair, and before arriving she’d asked the hairdresser in Parliament for a 70s-inspired, big-hair look. Under a cyan gel, her hair turned a deep red that popped beautifully against the bright cherry background.

www.nicolatree.com

Photographed by Natalie Persoglio

Sarah Hall has served as the Labour and Co-operative MP for Warrington South since July 2024, winning with a strong majority of over 11,000 votes. Before entering Parliament, she spent eight years on Warrington Borough Council, including a key role as cabinet member for children’s services. Her work in local government reflected a longstanding dedication to community wellbeing and public services.

In Westminster, Sarah sits on the influential Public Accounts Committee, reinforcing her focus on transparency and effective use of public money. She is also active in all-party parliamentary groups on autism and ADHD, drawing on her own experience of being diagnosed with ADHD in 2021. She’s since become a vocal advocate for neurodivergent voices in politics, aiming to make Westminster more inclusive and representative. On the ground in Warrington, Sarah has prioritised improving local healthcare. She used her first Prime Minister’s Questions appearance to press for new urgent treatment and outpatient facilities in the town, addressing long-standing pressure on emergency services.

More recently, she backed a community-led flood recovery initiative, showing her responsiveness to local challenges. Beyond politics, Sarah is rooted in the community she represents. She lives with her husband, a frontline emergency worker, and their children in Warrington.

instagram.com/natpersogliophotos

Photographed by Gabrielle Guy

Paulette Hamilton is Labour MP for Erdington and is a woman of the people. With her warm smile, genuine interest, and infectious energy, she embodies what it means to truly care for people.

While we had our portrait session on Erdington High Street, not only were constituents calling out to Paulette by name, but she could also recall exactly where and when she had met them. Some of these connections spanned over 20 years. Paulette is rooted and grounded in her community and uses various parts of Erdington for her grocery shopping and personal care appointments. Paulette has fantastic clarity on how political, economic, and community power can be harnessed to positively change the lives of UK citizens for the better. She is also an excellent marketer and could have thrived in a sales career if she were not a politician.

Paulette explained the purpose and intent of the 40% Project so wonderfully that it impressed even the most stubborn of sceptics. I had the privilege of being introduced to Paulette’s supportive team in her head office and on Erdington High Street. It truly takes a village — and dedication — to get the results that they do.

I’d like to say a special thank you to Laura Horton for the behind-the-scenes footage and her assistance in making this shoot happen. Thank you to the African and Caribbean Hut for providing shoot props and the brief use of their premises.

www.gabrielle-guy.com / @thegabrielleguy

Photographed by Allyson Klein

Claire Hanna, SDLP MP for Belfast South and Mid Downs. I met Claire Hanna in Belfast at Ormeau Park on the first sunny day we'd seen in a while. Though it was still quite chilly, the sun and the fresh air made our visit extra special. It was so lovely to see her ride up to meet me, something I hadn't expected. Since she lives and works nearby Claire said it made more sense to travel locally that way.

Claire is a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and was the first person to speak Irish during the Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on 17 March 2025. She said, "Lá Fhéile Pádraig agus Seachtain na Gaeilge" which translates to "Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody and Happy Irish Language Week as well."

In addition to making history, Claire invited Keir Starmer to come to Belfast for the Fleadh Cheoil, the largest gathering of Irish traditional musicians in the world. 

storiesandlightphotography.com / @storiesandlightphotography

Photographed by Sarah Hogan

Portrait of Monica Harding MP, Liberal Democrat for Esher and Walton, taken for the RPS 40% Project. Monica is the first woman ever to represent the constituency, and the first non-Conservative MP for the seat in over a century

Living locally in Thames Ditton and a mother of four, Monica arrived for our session in a bright green dress. The colour choice sparked a conversation about the suffragettes and how the colour green for them symbolised hope. Despite my wish for a sunny day, the weather was against us: wet and windy as we walked along the River Thames searching for a suitable location. Monica, however, was unfazed, engaging warmly with me and with passersby. She was generous with her time, and our conversation touched on her historic win and issues close to both of our hearts. We discussed river pollution and overstaying boats along the Thames.

Despite the grey skies over the Thames that day, Monica’s energy and commitment shone through. I feel proud that my portrait of Monica will be added to the growing chorus of voices captured in the 40% Project—a celebration of women reshaping the political landscape.

Photographed by Abbie Jennings

Emma Hardy is the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice. I met Emma on Boulevard in Hull on a sunny afternoon in September. A fitting spot within her constituency, framed by the fountain and a Hull-based mural.

Before entering Parliament, Emma worked as a primary school teacher at the school I attended as a child. Although our paths didn’t cross back then, we enjoyed reminiscing about my old teachers. It was a real joy to photograph Emma.

www.abbiejennings.co.uk / @abbiejennings.co.uk

Photographed by Sarah Louise Ramsay

Born and raised in Swansea, Carolyn has long been passionate about community work and politics, becoming MP for Neath and Swansea East in 2024. I felt a proud connection with her, inspired by her advocacy for women’s empowerment and by the fact that my mother-in-law, Eirwen, grew up in a small mining town within her constituency.

As a frequent speaker in Parliament, Carolyn suggested Westminster as the setting for our shoot, and the Jubilee Room proved both fitting and dramatic. A strong advocate for weight-loss injections, she has lost over eight stone and feels healthier and happier than she has in years. Her bright, colourful outfit perfectly reflected her cheery and approachable nature. Carolyn is a fighter—someone who never gives up.

Once a dinner lady and barmaid, she earned a degree in Social Policy from Swansea University before working with charities supporting young people and families. Her campaign for funding children’s funerals is deeply personal, inspired by the loss of her son Martin, who died in a road accident aged eight in 1989. Elected MP in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 and 2019, Carolyn became the first Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour in 2018. Now a backbencher, she was appointed Trade Envoy to New Zealand in 2025.

She continues to campaign tirelessly for stronger NHS support for women, particularly those experiencing menopause symptoms, saying: “51% of the population are women; we need to ensure they are healthy, happy, and respected—especially in the workplace."

www.slrphotography.co.uk / @sarahlouiseramsay_photography

Photographed by Emma Swain

Dame Rebecca Harris has represented Castle Point since 2010 and currently serves as Chief Whip of the Conservative Party. In 2024, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her political and public service. Rebecca’s connection to Castle Point began long before her political career.

She first visited Canvey Island, where our photoshoot took place, in the early days of her career working for a publishing company. Her warmth and humour made the experience a pleasure and we were fortunate to enjoy bright weather that perfectly matched Rebecca’s down-to-earth nature. Photographing Rebecca by the sea also felt especially fitting: a moment that captured steadfast local pride, resilience, and quiet strength - qualities that have long defined both her career and her enduring connection to the Castle Point community.

After the shoot, it was a delight to sit down with Rebecca at the Labworth Café, a much-loved local landmark overlooking the estuary. Designed and built in the early 1930s by engineer Ove Arup, the café was inspired by the bridge of the RMS Queen Mary, giving it its distinctive, ship-like Art Deco style. Now a Grade II listed building, it remains an iconic feature of Canvey Island’s seafront. Over coffee, Rebecca spoke fondly of her early working life and her deep affection for the local community. Away from Parliament, she enjoys reading (perhaps a nod to her roots in the print industry) and is a devoted animal lover.

emmaswain.co.uk / @swains.shots

Photographed by Emma Boittiaux

Helen Hayes Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, was elected in 2015 and elected chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee in 2024. I met with Helen on an early morning in Dulwich Park for a quick photoshoot before she had to leave for parliament.

She shared with me how she had already participated in a similar initiative back in 2017 when at the time the election got a record of 32% of women in parliament. A book of portraits was made for the occasion and she told me how it was still on her desk and very dear to her heart. How being now part of 40% Project 8 years later gives a glimpse of hope even in these complicated times.

@emmaboittiaux / www.emmaboittiaux.com

Photographed by Jo Shepherd ARPS

Claire Hazelgrove is the Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, elected in July 2024.

Claire’s interest in politics started through her family’s background in public service. She remembers attending a Fairtrade event with her grandad, a vicar, while at school in 2005. This led to her taking the overnight coach to Edinburgh to join the big Make Poverty History march. Seeing the then Labour Government act, Claire knew politics was a way to help others.   

Claire asked to meet at Stoke Gifford’s village green. She arrives straight from her MP advice surgery. The village green is a place of significance to her; it’s where she and volunteers launched her election campaign. Later in the campaign Keir Starmer visited the local pub.    

Her stamina, passion and commitment is much in evidence, undimmed, despite being a late Friday afternoon. The following day she is scheduled to have a “Coffee With Claire” drop-in event, and endeavours to knock on doors as often as possible, listening to her constituents. As an MP she wants to be considered an approachable, ordinary person.   

We walk round the green, finishing at The Coffee Shop in St Michael’s Centre. We talk about women’s roles and opportunities. Claire hopes that The 40% Project will help inspire the next generation of women MPs by seeing themselves better represented. As we talk, from time to time, I pick up my camera and take a few pictures.  

I notice the teabag in her mug bears the Fairtrade logo. How appropriate. 

joshepherd.zenfolio.com

Photographed by Eleanor Church

Meg Hillier has been the MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch since 2005, an amazing 21 years representing a community diverse in many ways. She is also the chair of the Liaison and Treasury Select Committees. Meg has, amongst other things, been a fervent campaigner for the compensation of the Windrush generation and recently led a campaign that resulted in the abolition of the two-child benefit cap – the sharpest and fastest drop in child poverty for a generation.

She is a long-standing advocate for her constituents in Hackney, often highlighting the intersection of high local poverty rates with national policy failures. In person, she radiates kindness, passion, great energy and has a glorious smile.

www.larkrisepictures.com  / @larkrisepictures

Photographed by Jayne Odell FRPS

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath was born in Hanover, Germany and now lives in Bath with her husband William. She has four children. Wera has been the Member of Parliament for Bath since the 2017 general election, representing the constituency for the Liberal Democrats. During this time Wera’s achievements as Bath's MP include helping more than 15,000 constituents with casework, making up-skirting a criminal offence in England, Climate action policy locally and nationally to get Britain equitably to net-zero carbon by 2045, fighting for school funding, a successful campaign to re-establish a public facing police station, fighting for better mental health services and strengthening protections for domestic abuse survivors. I photographed Wera at her constituency office in Bath. My intention with this piece was to portray this very strong, hard working and driven female MP with a sense of elegance and authority. Dynamically composed with Wera sitting mid-frame in the photograph and surrounded by traditional Bath stonework and beneath the Clematis she loves, gave my portrait a sense of serenity and place, the juxtaposition of what is an extremely busy political life.

jayneodell.com

Photographed by Louise Knaresborough LRPS

Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South. I caught up with Sharon at one of the North East’s iconic locations, the Angel of the North. It had recently become part of her constituency following boundary changes, and we both thought that this would be an excellent back drop to the portrait. With the Angel being such a huge structure at 75 Meters, I had to think carefully about my composition and angles so that the angel did not dominate the portrait.

Sharon was warm, welcoming, very approachable and her passion and commitment to the area where she was born and bred was clearly evident. Sharon has been a busy and active a member of Parliament for the area continually since 2005 and in that time has taken on a variety of roles such as Assistant Government Whip and Chair of the Finance Committee. We talked about a lot of things not least that she is a supporter of equal representation in Parliament through the Women Count movement. The aim of this is to ensure equal representation is reached by 2028, and to show Support for this goal MPs can purchase a specially made brooch that indicates their number, Sharon’s number is 289, and currently at time of writing there have only been 693 women MPs. Sharon wore her brooch with pride for the photograph.

LVKstudios.com/@lvkstudiosphotography

Photographed by Sarah Haskell

Rachel Hopkins, Labour MP for Luton South. Rachel is a proud Lutonian, elected to represent her hometown in 2019. She was especially keen for her photo shoot to showcase Luton at its best.

We took a leisurely stroll around Wardown Park, on a glorious late spring morning. The park is full of local significance, from the brickwork in garden walls, to the museum and memorial benches. Moreover, full of significance for Rachel too, from childhood memories through to present day festivals and events. As we walked around the lake, stopping to chat to people she knew, she was in her element, cheery, confident and proud to represent this community.

www.heraphotography.co.uk

Photographed by Gillian Duffy LRPS

Alice Hume, Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby was elected to parliament for the first time in 2024, Alison Hume welcomed me warmly, was generous with her time, and was a relaxed, experienced, and creative model.

Alison learned the craft of campaigning when she was fighting for the rights of her disabled adult son; indeed, he was the one to suggest that she would make a great MP.  

Alison described to me the huge honour, privilege and enormous responsibility which comes with representing her constituents.  She emphasised the importance of ensuring fairness, equality, and truth in her role as an MP.

Alison was selected for the prestigious Jo Cox Women in Leadership course, which served as a stepping stone for her career in politics.

We discussed how her ‘sunset career’ compares to having been an award-winning screenwriter and TV producer.  She relishes the variety, describing work ranging from sitting on committees to visiting care homes.  Being an MP can be demanding and all-encompassing.  Working 70 to 80 hours a week, Alison is certainly not yet on the glide path to retirement!  She clearly enjoys her constituency work and is proud of the positive impact she can make on the lives of her constituents.

Alison chose this photograph because it emphasised the importance of public transport in her rural constituency, her deep concerns about Ukraine, and I agreed with her wry humour that the café’s name was relevant to the work of MPs.

When we said our goodbyes, I left with a renewed sense of belief that many of our MPs are true public servants, and I had the privilege of meeting one of them. 

@gilliansnaps

Photographed by Eli Pimentel

One portrait at a time, members of the @royalphotographicsociety @wip commemorate the dedication of the U.K. Parliament’s 264 women MPs who now hold 40% of seats in the House of Commons.

As part of the 40% Project, I had the pleasure of photographing Dr Rupa Huq early one morning in September. Dr Huq has represented Ealing and Central Acton since 2015. Her brief spans education, media, social cohesion and youth opportunity, fields where representation and access are often unevenly distributed.

Beyond Westminster, Dr Huq engages in public debate through writing, radio and cultural analysis, drawing attention to how policy intersects with identity, class and belonging and urging institutions to examine more closely how they shape the stories people tell about themselves and each other. Her approach is curious, interrogative and grounded in the communities she serves. She is warm and energetic.

As we worked, peers and colleagues stopped her often in the corridors, eager to continue a conversation begun earlier, share an idea or simply to say hello. That openness to dialogue is central to her political style, a living exchange shared by people and through experience.

@elimpimentel

Photographed by Blondie Boswell

Leigh Ingham Labour MP for Stafford.Meeting Leigh in a cosy pub in Stafford on a cold Winters day was a real pleasure. She was open, friendly, grounded and warm. I found her to be confident, kind and a fun collaborator. Whilst we were setting up we had a delightful chat and she was clearly up to date, well informed and not to mention passionate about her constituency. She shared with me that she suggested to be photographed in a pub as one thing that she wished to represent was community, evidently this is at the forefront of all she does. The shoot was short, sweet and plain sailing thanks in part to her fantastic team.

It’s obvious that Leigh has the wisdom and courage to surround herself with like hearted and highly capable people.

Photographed by Nicole Lindsay

Labour party MP for Croydon East, Natasha Irons political journey is rooted in lived experience. Raised in a mould-ridden maisonette, she remembers nights spent sleeping beside a gas heater with her mother to stay warm. Everything shifted when the family moved into a secure social home—a moment that provided stability, dignity, and the foundation for new opportunity.

That early transformation informs her political purpose today: to ensure that secure, affordable housing is not a privilege but a right accessible to all. Irons is a dedicated advocate for young people, a generation facing diminishing resources, shrinking youth services, and increasing pressures on mental health. She champions investment in safe, supportive spaces where young people can belong, grow, and imagine a meaningful future.

Among her proudest achievements is securing £20 million for New Addington, a community known for its resilience and strong collective identity. Balancing parliamentary life with motherhood remains one of her greatest challenges, yet it also strengthens her understanding of the pressures facing families across the country.

For her, The 40% Project marks the growing normality of women’s presence in Parliament—an essential step toward equal representation. Irons hopes to be seen as an open, hardworking, and approachable representative—one who remains rooted in the everyday life of her constituency.

Her portrait reflects that intention: a grounded presence set within the flow of public space, connected to the people and the place she serves.

@nlindsayvisuals

Photographed by Rah Petherbridge

Sally Jameson is the Labour MP for Doncaster. Meeting Sally at the Houses of Parliament was quite a day. Her assistant, Molly, brought me up to the office and we spoke about the 40% Project before Sally arrived. From the start, there was a shared sense of purpose. We walked together through the building as she spoke about her work and her deep commitment to art, politics, and representation.

Photographing her there, I felt the weight of history alongside a real sense of pride — pride in the journey of women in politics, in how much has shifted, and in the persistence still required to keep moving forward.

As the shoot came to an end, Sally generously walked me through Westminster Hall, a part of the Palace of Westminster that has stood for over 1,000 years. She showed me the stained glass artwork in the hall, New Wave, which symbolises women in Parliament and the long, determined journey of how that work came to exist within such a historic institution.

Meeting Sally and making her part of the 40% Project is something I am deeply proud of. This image feels like a quiet but resolute marker of progress — new voices and new stories woven into a place shaped by centuries of power, tradition, and change.

www.rahpetherbridge.com / @rahpetherbridgephotography 

Photographed by Jennifer Charlton ARPS

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West. Christine has been a member of Parliament since 2017 and represents the Scottish Liberal Democrats. She is currently the spokesperson for Women and Equalities.

We took the portrait in St Margarets Park near her office and nearby stands a plaque erected to remember the local Corstorphine "witches" which I thought was a timely reminder of how far we have come, but still have such a lot of progress to make with women's equality.

www.jennifercharltonphotography.com / @jennifercharltonphotography

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Liz Jarvis is the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh and sits on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee so when she decided on the Hampshire Cricket Ground it made a lot of sense. We tried out several locations within the cricket ground and it was this portrait that got her vote.

I discovered that she’d been in the media world which in some ways isn’t too far away from the political world.

Asking what made her decide to become an MP she explained to me that after experiencing some challenges in her life. She made a promise to herself that if she got through those challenges, she would do everything she could do something to help others, particularly families, and to use her voice and profile to speak out for them.

She says the most rewarding part of her job as an MP is knowing she has helped people in her constituency. That's what makes it all worthwhile.

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Heather Kerr LRPS

Lillian Jones is the Labour MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. She kindly agreed to be photographed at short notice, and with the project nearing completion, I was keen to ensure she was part of this important historical record.

I met Lillian at her constituency office and she drove me to Newmilns (a small town in her consistency). Lillian chose to have her picture taken in front of a mural which was commissioned by a local volunteer group lovenewmilns.org which is a regeneration Association. The mural was produced by local artists Artisan Artworks who carry out street Art and murals. It shows a piece of lace and the Town’s Crest and Motto. This and another mural pay tribute to the lace making industry and the heritage of Newmilns and it's global significance. It is designed to boost footfall, support local business and engender conversation whilst recognising the towns heritage. Lillian was very accommodating and I think she chose her location well.

It was a privilege to have met Lillian and taken her photograph for this project.

Strathaven Camera Club

Photographed by Sarah Weatherhead

As the Member of Parliament for Newport West and Islwyn, representing the Labour Party, Ruth Jones carries forward a proud political tradition shaped by her constituency’s historic role in the struggle for democratic rights.

Meeting Ruth in the headquarters with the welsh weather beating down on the door our location plans were scrapped and it gave us a wonderful opportunity to talk through the historic importance her constituency holds. The Chartist Movement laid the foundations of modern democracy, a campaign that fought for political reform and expanded suffrage in the 19th century. The Chartists’ demands—including the right to vote, private ballots, and fair representation. This legacy continues to resonate strongly in Newport West and Islwyn, where the fight for equality and justice remains central to local identity. Ruth has consistently championed democratic participation and the protection of voting rights, recognising that the right to vote is fundamental to a fair and inclusive society. Her dedication has been recognised through her being awarded the 492 Suffragette Centenary Action sash, an accolade that honours those who continue the legacy of the suffrage movement and its fight for equal voting rights.

By connecting the past struggles of the Chartists and suffragettes with present-day challenges, Ruth Jones reinforces the enduring importance of political engagement. Her passion for politics is not only about policy, but about people—honouring those who fought for democracy and ensuring that every voice today has the opportunity to be heard.

brandedbyphotography.com / @brandedbyphotography

Photographed by Roey Xinqi Qiu ARPS

Sarah Jones has represented Croydon in Parliament since 2017 and is a Labour MP with a strong focus on community, youth engagement, and social justice.

This portrait was taken in Wandle Park’s skate facility, a place full of colour, movement, and creativity. The setting was chosen for its symbolism: an open public space where young people gather, express themselves, and form connections. It reflects both Croydon’s character and Jones’ commitment to being present within the everyday life of her constituency.

On the day of the shoot, those at the skate park were invited to join the frame. Their presence shaped the image into an informal grouping that highlights the diversity and inclusivity of Croydon. This collective composition resists the idea of political portraiture as solitary or distant. Instead, it presents leadership as grounded, approachable, and connected to community voices.

The photograph celebrates women’s representation in Parliament not as an abstract statistic but as lived experience. By placing Jones within a shared, local space, it underscores the importance of visibility, accessibility, and dialogue in shaping what political presence means today.

www.instagram.com/roeyqiu_photo

Photographed by Clair Robins

I was delighted to photograph Caroline, Conservative MP for Sleaford & North Hykeham, in a place she genuinely cares about. Her choice of a rural location with deep military heritage proved the perfect backdrop, even on a grey late-autumn day. Her warm, witty personality shone through effortlessly against the dramatic 26-metre steel replica of an Avro Lancaster bomber, a striking new landmark in “Bomber County” located at Norton Disney, Lincolnshire.

Capturing Caroline in natural, comfortable attire, in a landscape close to her heart, was central to the portrait. A small detail, the subtle glint of her Countryside Alliance “I Was There, March 1st, 1998” badge echoed her long-standing connection to and advocacy for the countryside. A busy mum, caring paediatric consultant, and experienced MP, she remains deeply committed to her community and passionate about the people she represents.

As the 455th woman ever elected to Parliament, she helped push the number of female MPs past a historic milestone, marking an important moment in political representation.

My aim was to create a natural, authentic portrait, and I was fortunate: almost every frame held a smile. To me, this image is a powerful reflection of the 40% of MPs who are now women. It captures not just Caroline’s role in Parliament, but the real person behind it, someone who appears to work tirelessly for her constituents while remaining an approachable and grounded member of the Sleaford and North Hykeham community. It was a privilege to capture such a grounded composition of Caroline at such a poignant site.

www.clairrobins.com / @clairscollections / @clair_r_photo

Photographed by Abbie Jennings

Dame Diana Johnson is the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham. I met Diana one afternoon in August when the weather was extremely temperamental, we battled sun, rain and wind all within the space of half an hour. We met at Hull University by the iconic white telephone box on campus, which has now been turned into a mini library.

Dame Diana Johnson was Hull’s first female MP.

www.abbiejennings.co.uk / @abbiejennings.co.uk

Photographed by Rachel Brewster-Wright

This portrait, taken with an Olympus OM1 on HP5+ B&W 35mm film, was created as a collaboration between myself, Rachel Brewster-Wright (Little Vintage Photography & Liverpool Darkroom) and Kim Johnson Labour MP. Kim represents Liverpool Riverside, the constituency where she was born, brought up and still lives. Since being elected in 2019 as Liverpool’s first Black MP, and with a background in community development and adult social care, she has committed to speaking up for all the residents in the most diverse constituency in the city.

As part of our collaboration, we chose the North Dock area of Liverpool as the location because it is a place that is meaningful to both of us. For Kim, as a symbol of the connecting link between the north and south, the diverse communities that make up this city, and the port industry it was built on... For me, as the place I first came to in 1999, where I set up Little Vintage Photography (one of the first female-run darkrooms in the UK) and became the Darkroom Educator for ILFORD, teaching photographers workshops in how to shoot with film and process & print in the darkroom by hand.

When I look at these images now, I am reminded that as women, with all our various responsibilities, we're nothing if not resilient, and that collaboration and human connection are the building blocks that hold us all together in this very special city.

littlevintagephotography.co.uk / @littlevintagephotography / @liverpool_darkroom

Photographed by Janey Devine FRPS

Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test, has lived in Southampton her entire life. Growing up in the inner-city, in an area of deprivation, Satvir helped out at her parents’ sari stall, and found solace in the city’s parks and libraries — places that shaped her love for community and learning. Satvir went on to serve as a Labour councillor in Shirley for over a decade, later becoming Cabinet Member and then Leader of Southampton City Council, becoming the first female Sikh council leader in Britain. Throughout her roles within the council Satvir has always championed culture, housing, and fought to protect local library services.

Elected as MP for Southampton Test in 2024, Satvir has continued her dedication to public service, working with her predecessor Alan Whitehead CBE to promote local and renewable energy. Satvir is deeply passionate about improving social housing and providing more opportunities for those who have felt left behind, believing that this can transform lives and communities.

In a historic milestone, Satvir became the first MP to be appointed to a ministerial position while on maternity leave. She will take up her role as Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office upon her return.

www.janeydevine.com 

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Conservative for MP Rutland and Stamford, Alicia is no stranger to Parliament and its workings, after graduating from Fitzwilliam College in 2009 with a degree in social and political sciences she started work for the MOD and later the Foreign Office. Deciding in 2016 that she’d enter politics and in 2019 was elected MP for Rutland and Melton. Later in 2023 it was renamed Rutland and Stamford. Rutland is England’s smallest (approximately 16 miles long by 16 miles wide) and one of the prettiest counties in England.

We met at one of the many stately homes in the county on a cold and foggy January day, Alicia was a real trooper taking her coat off and on and getting cold in the process. Luckily we managed to shoot some inside. Over a coffee I discovered what a dedicated MP she is, the way she talked about her constituency, her dedication is there for all to see. The young woman who bought the coffee to our table said “you’re Alicia Kearnes aren’t you? I follow your page; I don’t know anything about politics but you’re all about Rutland”.

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Holly Hann

As part of the RPS Women in Photography 40% Project, I had the opportunity to photograph MP Naushabah Khan within her constituency, Naushabah has a strong track record of working to improve the local area. A Gillingham South councillor from 2015-2024, she has shown her unwavering passion and commitment to fight for change by representing the place she loves and is the driving force behind the Love Gillingham initiative.

On July 4 2024, she became MP for Gillingham and Rainham, the first Labour candidate to be elected locally in nearly 20 years, and the first woman to represent the area.

While we explored several meaningful outdoor locations across her constituency, including local landmarks and community spaces, the final chosen portrait was taken indoors. The backdrop features political artwork displaying a Barbara Castle quote connected to the Equal Pay Act: “In politics, guts is all.” This reference to Castle’s legacy and the ongoing fight for equality resonated deeply with Naushabah, making the image a powerful reflection of the conviction and courage required of women in political life.

My aim throughout was to create images that reflect the strength, warmth, and dedication Naushabah brings to her role, while contributing to a project that highlights the visibility and voices of women working in politics. I believe that the final chosen image encapsulates that spirit, helping to highlight how women are shaping political life today.

@busyhanns

Photographed by Josie Purcell ARPS

I met Jayne, the Labour & Co-operative MP for Falmouth & Truro, on an unusually autumnal early August day. Not deterred by the Cornish mizzle, Jayne cycled to meet me at the Falmouth Town Council-run Kimberley Park, a community space close to her heart from her time as a local councillor helping to establish a café and a recording studio in its grounds. We chatted about Jayne’s new life as an MP, and how she sometimes still asks herself if it’s real when she’s in Parliament’s Chambers. She told me about the inspirational women MPs she has met and although humble herself it was clear Jayne is resolutely determined to enact long-term change for the better. This particularly relates to her interest in health and environment, and she holds memberships in Committees and participates in All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

She acknowledged that current politics are challenging but “more good things are coming” as positive work can go under the radar of mainstream news headlines. Jayne described her role as an MP as needing to be “annoying, tenacious and irrepressible” in varying degrees to get things done. But we also spoke about taking time for self-care to bolster personal wellbeing and fostering joy as an act of resilience. We met during the summer recess, which is a time for Jayne to catch up on all the important local matters.

At the end of the photo session, Jayne donned her raincoat ready to cycle back to work to write three local news columns and attend more meetings before the day’s end.

Photographed by Tia Lloyd

Sonia Kumar, Labour MP for Dudley visited us at Halesowen college where myself an a Student Madison Woodford-Black photographed the MP.

Sonia is extremely  passionate about her consituency and is currently fighting to keep local community facilities accessible to all, including local clinics and libraries. 

www.instagram.com/tialaurenlloyds_shutter/

Photographed by Sophie Ellen Lachowycz

Uma Kumaran is the first MP to be elected within the newly created Stratford and Bow constituency, and the first MP of Tamil heritage.

Towards the end of the summer parliamentary recess, we met in her constituency to create this portrait. Collaborating in a warehouse studio space, we explored blending my fashion aesthetic with portraiture that promotes strength and female empowerment.

Stratford and Bow has a rich heritage of women in power, political activism and women’s rights movements, including the Matchgirls’ Strike and the headquarters of the East London Federation of Suffragettes. In her maiden speech in Parliament, Uma referenced these, highlighting the area’s deep tradition of activism and women’s political participation.

As a photographer, I have worked on projects promoting women in Parliament and attended campaign events aiming for equal representation. I am passionate about ensuring we live in a world of equality, where women’s views and lived experiences are represented. I want my daughter to grow up with every opportunity available to her, including, if she wishes, a career in politics.

Uma embodies this spirit, taking an active role in her constituency by engaging with people, businesses, charities, etc., as well as contributing widely within The Labour Party. 

It was inspiring to hear her enthusiasm for this role while we were chatting on set. Uma brought great energy to the shoot, resulting in a portrait that reflects her passion and purpose. 

Uma Kumaran photographed at Peanut Factory Studio by Sophie Ellen Lachowycz, assisted by Hannah Gadd. 

Photographed by Sarah Padilha MA ARPS

Laura Kyrke Smith is the Member of Parliament for Aylesbury gaining the seat for the Labour Party for the first time in its history in 2024. She has had a career in the government and the charity sector and with her warm and engaging personality uses her skill set well in representing her constituency.

Laura is heavily involved in the local community and evidently committed to change for residents and developing thriving sustainable communities. We met on a very hot day in June.

Not unsurprisingly it was important to Laura to be photographed in the community that is so important to her. Like all MPs she has a demanding schedule but at no point did I feel rushed and we were able to talk freely over a coffee before heading out to take photographs. Laura is passionate about fairness and the people of our communities. She has been actively involved in cross party discussions notably the perinatal mental health support within the maternity care in the health service.

What is so evident in spending time with Laura is her sincerity; she listens and values what people have to contribute to discussion. The portrait we have chosen I feel reflects this well.

@padilhaimages

Photographed by Catherine Smith

Katie Lam, Conservative MP for the newly created constituency The Weald of Kent since 2024, serving as Opposition Assistant Whip. Prior roles in the Home Office and Downing Street have equipped her with a deep understanding of government and public service.

We met in late August at Domaine Evremond Vineyard in Chilham, a fairly new addition to Kent’s landscape, full of late summer’s charm before the season turns. Chosen by Katie, it felt like an appropriate setting; traditional yet forward thinking, grounded in enduring values. That’s very much how I found Katie to be during our time together and what I wanted to feed into the portrait through symbolism and composition. Creating a timeless portrait that is both intimate and formal.

Through her direct gaze and expression I feel she exudes quiet confidence and professionalism, a good balance between approachability and respect for the role and challenges faced. The graduating backdrop suggesting her sense of pride and desire to protect and make a difference in her constituency.

www.cat8smithphotography.com / @cat8smithphotography

Photographed by Nicola Tree

Kim Leadbeater MBE has been the Labour MP for Spen Valley in West Yorkshire since 2024, having represented the previous constituency of Batley and Spen since 2021. Kim is the sister of Jo Cox who held the Batley and Spen seat for just over a year before her murder by a right wing extremist in June 2016. Kim has a background in education, health and sport, but since Jo’s death she has worked locally and nationally to create a positive legacy for her sister by bringing people and communities together, tackling loneliness and championing civility in public life, initially through her work at The Jo Cox Foundation, and now as the MP for the area where she has lived all her life.

Kim is a proud Yorkshire woman, and it became clear during our conversations that her portrait had to be taken in her constituency. She was very keen for her portrait to combine her work as a Parliamentarian with her sister’s memory. She felt that the perfect venue to do this was the Jo Cox Community Wood, a beautiful outdoor space at the heart of Spen Valley created by local volunteers. The portrait shows Kim standing on a large rock in the middle of the wood, with a stunning Yorkshire view behind her on a late August day. She chose to wear a formal dress and heels to reflect the contrast between her two worlds - the formality of Westminster and her down-to-earth Yorkshire roots and family upbringing.

www.nicolatree.com

Photographed by Louise Knaresborough LRPS

The Northeast of England has an amazing coastline, and the beaches of South Shields are no exception. I met Emma on the beach early in the morning the sun was slowly rising giving a lovely golden glow to the shoreline. Emma was born and raised in the seaside town where her links to the sea and sea faring community are strong, from the shipyards to being a descendant of William Wouldhave the inventor of the lifeboat, it’s obvious when talking with her that her heart is here in Shields.

Emma was warm, genuine, fierce, and passionate about her constituency and her constituents, one of her overriding goals is continually campaigning for the improvement of social care for both children and adults as well as tackling food poverty. Her professional background in social care has taught her about the tough realities of front-line social work. She is also currently the chair of the All-party Parliamentary group “Child of the North” whose purpose is to create a fairer future for children across the north of England. Emma has held the post as MP for South shields for over 12 years, which is a testament to her commitment and duty to the town.

The shot was composed on the steps of the RNLI lifeguard station just by Long Beach, throughout the shoot many of the constituents out on the beach that morning greeted her as a familiar face with a cheery hello. During our short time together, it became noticeably clear that she is a female MP who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes.

LVKstudios.com / @lvkstudiosphotography

Photographed by Allyson Klein

Carla Lockhart is the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP for Upper Bann. Carla Lockhart’s portrait session was shaped as much by the day itself as by the image we set out to make. The day I met her was bitterly cold and windy, and the portrait session changed shape almost as quickly as the weather. We had planned to meet outside her constituency office in Lurgan, but she had to make a last-minute trip to Belfast City Airport, so we found ourselves at IKEA instead. I had hoped to use the rooftop view, with Cave Hill and Harland & Wolff in the distance, the iconic yellow cranes in Belfast, but the freezing wind made that impossible. In the end, the bright blue exterior walls offered an unexpectedly strong backdrop.

Carla was a real trooper throughout, even taking off her warm coat so I could photograph her more clearly for the series. What came across most strongly was her willingness to adapt and make the session work despite the cold and the last-minute changes. In that sense, the portrait reflects a side of political life that is often unseen: the patience, practicality and stamina needed to keep going, even when circumstances are far from ideal. The image holds something of that resilience, as well as the layered, ordinary setting in which political life so often unfolds.image holds something of that resilience, as well as the layered, ordinary setting in which political life so often unfolds.

www.storiesandlightphotography.com / @storiesandlightphotography 

Photographed by Alice Armstrong

Rebecca Long-Bailey is the Labour MP for Salford, whose life and work remain deeply rooted in Greater Manchester and in the experience of working-class communities. Before entering politics, she worked in a range of jobs, from a pawn shop and call centre to a solicitor’s office, experiences that shaped her understanding of economic struggle. Elected to Parliament in 2015, she is a strong advocate for workers’ rights, public services, and environmental sustainability and has consistently drawn inspiration from Salford’s traditions of solidarity and social justice.

Rebecca chose to have her portrait taken outside Salford Lads and Girls Club, a landmark of community pride and resilience that has stood at the heart of the city for over a century. The setting reflects both her deep connection to Salford and the enduring spirit of collective strength that defines the area.

instagram.com/alicelarmstrong

Photographed by Maria Akore

Julia Lopze, Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster. The shoot with Julia was a real pleasure to shoot, we had fun and she stated we helped her feel comfortable about being photographed! She brought honesty, warmth, and a willingness to be open in front of the camera.

I’m grateful to her for trusting me with such a personal moment of reflection. It’s been an intense few years for her, navigating political upheaval, a pandemic, two new babies while serving as a Minister, and then facing another General Election. Through all of that, she’s changed and this shoot became a space to look at how those experiences have shaped her.

Julia was involved in a similar project, which paired female photographers with female MPs. Back then, she was newly elected and still finding her place, anxious about fitting the role, something she said came through in her beautiful portrait at the time.

What we captured together now is a very confident woman. There’s a resilience there, and a real sense of purpose. The understanding that she can take the knocks of political life while holding on to the privilege of representing others and serving the country she loves. Her words, "I now know I can withstand the negatives of the role in order to fulfil the incredible privilege of being other people's voice and getting to serve the country I love".

@mariaakorephotography

Photographed by Annie Green-Armytage

Alice Macdonald has a clear vision for her time as Labour MP for Norwich North: to advocate for the Norwich and Norfolk region; to be accessible to her constituents and restore trust in the integrity of politicians; and to help shape ‘transformational policies’ which address inequality.

With strong female inspiration from the start - her mother led West Norfolk Council for a time - attending state school was her first wake-up call to inequality of opportunity. ‘I realised you don’t just make your own luck, ‘she says. ‘It's about how the state tackles barriers and enables people to fulfil their potential.’ This was reinforced when she worked for a year in Senegal, and then working for (now) Baroness Harriet Harman as an international policy advisor. ‘She was one of a handful of women MPs in the ’80s, and she made such a difference against difficult odds. She had the determination and the passion to see her vision through.’ Currently Alice is campaigning for better health, better homes and more opportunity, particularly addressing the challenges in SEND.

She encourages everyone to consider getting involved in politics, suggesting following their passion to get a broader life perspective, alongside volunteering for their local party. As a former member of the Jo Cox Women in Leadership programme she also values women’s networks: ‘The more we stick together and support each other, the better.’ It was fascinating to talk with Alice and to make a portrait together that reflects her determination and strength of purpose.

www.anniegaphotography.co.uk / @anniegaphoto

Photographed by Livvi Grant

Helen Maguire is the Member of Parliament for Epsom and Ewell, and a former Army captain in the Royal Military Police. I photographed her during the Liberal Democrat Party Conference, in front of the Bournemouth War Memorial — a First World War monument built in 1921. Set in the town’s central gardens, it offered a moment of reflection amid the busyness of party conference. Wearing her beret and medals, she stood with the quiet strength of someone who’s known both conflict and community.

Commissioned from Sandhurst in 2000, Helen served in Bosnia and Iraq, supporting front-line infantry, and helping to rebuild the Iraqi police.

Those experiences — shaped by resilience, leadership, and service — continue to inform the way she approaches public life. Though now in Parliament, her focus remains practical and grounded. In front of the memorial, still and composed, she carried her story not through words, but through presence.

www.livvigrant.co.uk

Photographed by Soundarya Thandapani

Seema Malhotra MP is a senior UK Labour Party politician and has served as Minister for Race Equality since September 2024 and as Minister for the Indo-Pacific since September 2025, having previously held ministerial responsibility for Migration and Citizenship. Alongside her parliamentary roles, she remains deeply rooted in her constituency, having represented Feltham and Heston since 2011.

I met Seema on a cold but sunny afternoon in her constituency of Feltham and Heston, and we chose to photograph her in locations closely tied to her everyday work and rhythms. Before we began shooting, Seema warmly offered chai, a small but telling gesture that immediately set the tone for the day. We began at Feltham Pond, a place that struck me for its contrast: a calm stretch of water in the foreground, while just behind it, the high street carried on at its usual pace. This felt like a fitting place to begin. As we walked through the area, Seema spoke with pride about the community she represents, sharing stories of its cultural and historical richness, from local landmarks to figures such as Freddie Mercury and Mo Farah who have shaped the area’s identity. Between locations, I asked her about the pace of her days, which shifts between Parliament, constituency meetings and public engagements, with no two days quite the same. She also spoke about the importance of movement, whether through running or walking, and time with family as ways to stay grounded and recharged.

Our next stop was Humble Thali restaurant on the high street, where chai became part of the portrait itself, capturing a quieter, more conversational moment.

We concluded the shoot at the Heart of Hounslow, ending with portraits that felt direct and assured. Although I began the shoot feeling apprehensive, as it was my first time photographing an MP, I left feeling inspired by Seema’s calm presence and clarity of purpose. Photographing women in leadership like Seema reinforces the importance of representation and visibility, and the value of showing leadership as both grounded and deeply human.

www.soundaryathandapani.com  / @soundarya_photography

Photographed by Veronika Tóth

Photographing Amanda Martin. Labour MP for Portsmouth North, was such a lovely experience. She’s one of those people who instantly puts you at ease — easy to chat with, funny, and full of genuine warmth. You can tell straight away why she’s so well liked locally.

Amanda has that rare ability to make everyone she meets feel seen and valued, whether she’s talking about community projects or just sharing a laugh. We shot this portrait at Hilsea Lido, surrounded by bright murals and colour, which couldn’t have been a better match for her personality. She turned up wearing her Portsmouth FC shirt — completely herself, no pretense — and just radiated positivity. I wanted to capture that relaxed, real side of her that people in Portsmouth know so well: approachable, grounded, and full of heart. Throughout the session, we chatted about the city, the people, and what makes Portsmouth special. It was clear how deeply she cares about the community and how proud she is to represent it.

There’s a spark about Amanda — a mix of kindness, humour, and strength — that really comes through in this photo. This portrait isn’t just about her role as an MP, but about the person behind it, someone who genuinely loves her city and the people in it.

www.shotbyvera.co.uk / @shotbyveraa

Photographed by Kate Abbey

First elected in 2015, Rachael campaigns tirelessly for her constituents in York Central. With a career in the NHS, working as a senior physiotherapist in ITU and acute medicine and as the Head of Health at Unite, Rachael continues to use her expertise in Westminster to progress healthcare and protect the NHS and is Vice Chair of the Health and Social Care Health Select Committee.

With the challenges people experience in York, Rachael has recently advanced legislation to regulate Short Term Holiday Lets, and speaks regularly on issues from housing and development, the economy, health and social care and the environment and climate. As a trade unionist, she also makes the case for advancing workers’ rights, not least through her Bill to tackle Bullying at Work. Central to Rachael’s work, is listening to the issues that constituents raise and bringing their voice to Parliament, especially the inequality and injustices that so many have faced under the Tories. Not only does she work across agencies in York to enhance services and support businesses, but takes up the issues residents need addressing. I first photographed Rachael for the #209 exhibition in 2018 and her integrity and hard work stood out.

We were constantly stopped in the street and she tirelessly listened and engaged with anyone approaching her. It was a pleasure to meet her again.

www.kateabbey.co.uk  / @kateabbey

Photographed by Lisa Whiting

Kerry has represented Bristol East since 2005 and has served as the UK’s Climate Minister (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State) at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. She previously held frontbench roles including Labour Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Net Zero, reflecting a long-standing commitment to climate action, sustainable food systems and animal welfare. A long-time vegan, she has championed greener diets and stronger animal welfare standards.

Photographed at Troopers Hill, a cherished nature reserve within her constituency, Kerry sits among the grasses of this reclaimed industrial landscape, with the landmark chimney rising above the Bristol Landscape behind her. Once a site of industry and now a haven for wildlife, Troopers Hill mirrors the themes of renewal and stewardship that have defined Kerry’s political career.

The portrait situates Kerry within the landscape she serves, presenting her as both leader and local representative, deeply connected to the people and environment of Bristol East: a parliamentarian whose work bridges people and planet, policy and place and whose career in Bristol and Westminster continues to inspire others to lead with compassion, evidence and conviction.

Through this photograph, I aim to contribute to the 40% Project’s mission of highlighting women’s visibility and influence in public life. Kerry’s portrait embodies resilience and purpose: a reminder that leadership can be both strong and compassionate, rooted in care for community and the natural world.

lisawhiting.myportfolio.com

Photographed by Wendy Carrig

I arranged to meet Dame Siobhain McDonagh on the modest street where she grew up, and which sits within the South London constituency of Mitcham and Morden where she has continued to serve as their Member of Parliament since 1997.

As we walked by her old family home Siobhain talked about her parents; her mother was a psychiatric nurse and her father a builder, both working within the local community. This makes it easy to understand why Siobhain is a passionate and tireless campaigner to protect health services and secure decent housing. She still lives nearby, only a few streets away from where she grew up.

On a weekend she can be seen knocking on doors and getting valuable feedback from the community she serves. Easily recognisable with her distinct style. Community, family, are hugely important for Siobhain. In 2023 she lost her only sister, Margaret, a member of the House of Lords and a former General Secretary of the Labour Party. Margaret died from glioblastoma brain cancer. The treatment available on the NHS was woefully inadequate.

After leading fund-raising efforts and taking on pharmaceutical companies, and the health establishment, Siobhain has forced change, and made Clinical trials a reality.

www.wendycarrig.co.uk / @wendycarrigphotography

Photographed by Jo Browne

Portrait of Lola McEvoy, Labour MP, Darlington. Taken as part of the Royal Photographic Society’s 40% Project, a national portrait series celebrating the 40% of MP’s who are women.

Captured at Hopetown, a place rooted in Darlington’s industrial and cultural heritage, chosen for its resonance with Lola’s values and commitment to the community she represents. Growing up just off North Road, near this landmark, the setting reflects both her personal connection to the town and her dedication to protecting and celebrating its cultural identity. What stayed with me wasn’t just Lola’s politics, but her belief in people and her determination to make sure Darlington’s story is one of resilience and renewal.

The portrait also marks a moment of congratulations for Lola on her recent appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, where she continues to champion opportunities that enrich local and national life.

www.instagram.com/jobrownephotography

Photographed by Ruth Toda-Nation

I photographed Alison in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead — a place that carries both personal and political meaning. Alison and I are both former pupils of Wirral Grammar School, though years apart, both of us grew up shaped by this part of the world.

I took her portrait sitting on the balcony of Birkenhead Town Hall, a stunning grade II listed building designed by local architect Charles Ellison in 1882. Now serving as Minister of State for Employment, Alison is responsible for national employment strategy, tackling economic inactivity, reforming Jobcentres, improving access to childcare and supporting people into secure work — particularly young people, parents, and those with disabilities. Her work reflects a long-standing commitment to dignity in work, opportunity for all, and support for those left behind — values rooted in her own working-class upbringing on the Wirral. Alison brings compassion and clarity to her politics, combining a strong belief in social justice with a clear-eyed understanding of how policy impacts real lives. Hamilton Square felt like the right place for this portrait. It’s at the heart of Birkenhead’s civic life and history, dignified, a little weathered, and full of quiet strength.

Photographing her here on film with my Hasselblad, felt like capturing the essence of a politician who remains deeply connected to the people and place she represents.

@ruthtodanation

Photographed by Michaela Simpson

Catherine McKinnell, born and brought up in Newcastle, has been the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North since 2010. She became Minister of State for School Standards in July 2024, previous roles include Shadow Attorney General back in 2015. She studied politics and history at the University of Edinburgh, then went on to do a law degree at Northumbria University. Since being elected, Catherine’s been a passionate voice for Newcastle and the North East, working on issues like the cost of living, child poverty, the NHS, public services, and transport.

Life as a Minister of State is hectic, to say the least, but Catherine still made time to be part of the project. A Zoom call beforehand gave us a chance to share ideas, and she quickly chose a lesser-known spot—the Armstrong Bridge. It's a fitting choice for someone representing Newcastle, a city world-famous for its iconic bridges.

I’d visited the location in advance to find the best shooting angles and see how the light was falling. Catherine arrived relaxed and open to ideas for our shoot together, even taking a moment to help a young mother who asked her to take a photo with her daughter. She happily helped out.

I’m always very conscious of time when photographing busy people. We worked quickly—it’s a busy spot—timing our shots during brief moments when the bridge cleared of people out enjoying the beautiful Jesmond Dene.

simpson-studios.com / @simpsonstudios35mm

Photographed by Maisie Lopez

I met with Anna McMorrin and her pup, Cadi, on a rainy day in Wales. Anna has been the Labour MP for Cardiff North since 2017 and was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Wales Office in September 2025.

We photographed her at the Iron Bridge, beside the remains of the old tramroad’s toll house, from which you can see Castell Coch perched at the top of the hill. Anna wanted to embrace the area’s rich local history and reflect the environment of the constituency she represents. After the shoot had finished, she had to shoot off as she was holding one of the regular advice surgeries for the local community.

A former environmental campaigner and climate change adviser, Anna chose to wear her RSS Sir David Attenborough puffer jacket, giving a subtle nod to the parliamentary mission she undertook to study the melting ice caps. Hearing her speak with a real passion about climate change was refreshing, and it gave me hope knowing we have someone in Parliament who is outspoken and committed to net zero.

Despite the rain, it was a delightful day. Anna has a warm, welcoming presence, and we had a lot of fun. It was a lovely reminder that we have a caring, grounded, and strong woman among the 40% of women who are currently in Parliament.

Photographed by Sally Anderson LRPS

Kirsty McNeill is Scottish Labour and Co-operative MP for Midlothian and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland. She has been enthusiastic about the 40% project from the start. As Midlothian has a significant mining history and is home to Scotland’s National Mining Museum, it was fitting to make this the location for our shoot. We are indebted to the Museum's marketing team for their time and permission to use locations at the museum. Kirsty is a regular visitor there and a keen supporter of local groups and charities, particularly miners’ welfare and social clubs.

As the arranged date was some time ahead, I took the opportunity to visit to pinpoint suitable locations within a vast site. It was not easy to find locations that would allow a close-up portrait in good light (the main focus) and which would make the context clear, as many objects are huge pieces of machinery. Some disused coal trucks, a brick-built building with NCB (National Coal Board) lettering, a disused digging machine and a striking massive red wheel provided opportunities. This proved to be an effective way to plan things as the taking of photos was relatively quick.

The chosen day was one of the many hot bright sunny days that Scotland has experienced this Summer, making outdoor locations a challenge. Luckily, Kirsty’s assistant helped by holding up a diffuser to block the worst of the brightness. Kirsty has also been very helpful trying to interest other Scottish women MPs in the project.

www.sallyanderson.co.uk / @sallyandersonphotos

Photographed by Nicola Pass

I had the most amazing opportunity to create a portrait of Esther McVey Conserative MP for Tatton for the RPS 40% Project. Its aim is to build a national portrait series that celebrates the rise of female MPs, and highlights the diverse and influential presence of women in UK politics. At its core, it’s about women supporting women and recognising the importance of visibility and representation.

We chose Tatton Park as the setting for Esther’s portrait. It’s a place we both feel connected to and enjoy spending time in.

Being a part of this project is meaningful to me both as a photographer and as a woman. It’s a reminder of how powerful visibility can be, and how important it is to celebrate the women shaping public life today.

www.nicolapassphotography.co.uk 

Photographed by Rae Seaman

My time with Llinos Medi offered a warm and unexpectedly personal insight into the woman behind the public role. She arrived suffering from acute laryngitis, barely able to speak, and admitted she was terrified of having more photos taken, something she usually dislikes. Even so, she put on a brave face, approached the session with openness, and throughout, her sweet-naturedness came through so strongly that we finished with a hug.

As we talked, she shared stories from her childhood on a farm above Llanddona beach. Her father was a first‑generation farmer, and she and her siblings grew up helping with the sheep and cows. That early connection to the land still shapes her. If she ever stepped away from politics, she said she would love to return to farming, and her daughter already shares that passion. Her son, meanwhile, is thriving in a dance school and loves everything from jazz to tap. She spoke proudly about encouraging him to follow what he loves, even when it falls outside stereotypical expectations. That belief in letting people pursue their own path felt like a thread running through everything she said.

She lives in central Anglesey now but admitted she would love to move back to the coast one day. And in the middle of all the seriousness of her work, she has one small act of rebellion: wearing her Dr. Martens, even though the chamber is notoriously fussy about footwear.

www.searaephotography.com / @sea_rae_photography

Photographed by Solenna Argow

Anneliese Midgley is the Labour MP for Knowsley. I met Anneliese on a cold, drizzly January morning at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, just outside of Liverpool. The wind was bitter and you could feel your bones rattling against one and other. It was certainly a day that was meant to be spent indoors and I can’t think of a more beautiful setting to shield away from the grey day.

If you’ve never visited Shakespeare North you are truly missing out. The space itself feels like you’ve been transported back in time, including only the best parts of a true Shakespearean experience. It was a joy to roam around the stunning timber framed theatre with Anneliese, imagining what characters we would play if we called the stage our home. We discussed Shakespearean characters and those much more modern and further afield. We chatted about Prospero and of course I couldn’t not mention my favourite, Hallie Jackson from The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, the memory taking me all the way back to my drama society days.

It felt so natural working with Anneliese to create this portrait. This was an unforgettable session full of joy and laughter. It has been a true highlight of my year so far and I am so proud that I have been able to play a part in this monumental project. Thank you Anneliese for your kindness and generosity.

www.solennaargow.com  / @solennaargow

Photographed by Tracey Ann Ainsley

I had the pleasure of meeting Julie Minns, November 2025, Labour MP for Carlisle. Myself not from the area, didn’t know anything about Julie so I watched her maiden speech to parliament on YouTube. What a passionate woman standing up for Carlisle not only the future of her constituents but also saving it’s heritage for future generations, our venue Carlisle Turkish Baths, for the photoshoot one of those passions.

Whilst waiting for our shoot, a gentleman approached who I thought might be who was opening the baths for us. No, he was Ian Young, a constituent, who when I told him who I was meeting said Julie was Carlisle through and through and that’s why he voted for her! Definitely a fan. Julie has politics in her bones having a distant cousin, Ernest Lowthian, first Labour politician to stand for Carlisle, whilst her great grandfather, John Hodgson-Minns, was a councillor for the Carlisle Conservative party.

We met with Lucy, Julie’s assistant, who helped me organise the shoot, and Andrew who was our contact to get inside. As we walked around inside you could tell Julie is very enthusiastic about the baths so much so, she is Chair of the Friends campaigning to save them for the future.

Julie was very easy to talk to and was very photogenic making our time together easier. She was delighted to be part of the project.

@wpcthunderbird

Photographed by Anneleen Lindsay

Abtisam Mohamed, Labour MP for Sheffield Central since 2024. Prior to being an MP, Abtisam spent her whole career in Sheffield supporting communities to achieve change; working in community development, she then qualified first as a teacher then as a lawyer. She set up a practice providing legal advice and representation for disadvantaged people. She was also a senior councillor for Education, and set up Sheffield's Race Equality Commission.  

Abtisam is the first British-Yemeni MP; a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and has roles as Chair, Vice-chair and Officer of several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including those for International Students, University and for Palestine.   

In April 2025 Abtisam was denied entry by Israel when travelling as part of a Parliamentary delegation to the West Bank. She advocates for the recognition of a Palestinian state and for the UK to place sanctions on Israeli Ministers.

We met on an extremely hot, sunny morning in the city centre, an area where the architecture of Sheffield’s industrial heritage blends with creative business start-ups, galleries, vintage shops and cafes. We discussed how formative the city was for both of us growing up, discovering we were actually born only weeks apart. Also ‘Made In Sheffield’, the city’s politics, creativity and sense of community have strongly impacted my own identity and worldview.  

Abtisam’s hand on hip pose references an iconic Sheffield painting, ‘Buffer Girls’ by William Rothenstein, which depicts the working class craftswomen who were essential to Sheffield’s world-famous cutlery industry, wearing red headscarves and determined expressions.

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

Photographed by Fran Monks

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrats MP for Oxford West and Abingdon. Layla suggested we make her portrait in the cafeteria of a leisure centre in her Oxfordshire constituency. This was the place where she first heard she had been elected in 2017. We met there on 1st May 2025, the day after the local elections. The count was happening in the gym and there was quite a buzz with supporters of all parties gathering to hear the latest results. Layla was dressed in a bright dress, with yellow shoes (a nod to the Lib Dem’s colours) and was warm and enthusiastic. I had practiced a few different locations with her case-worker before she arrived, and so we started on a dark bench seat which had glass blocks behind it. I held the camera high to try and avoid reflections from my light. Layla was very relaxed and fun in front of the camera. Without me asking she put her feet up on the seat, which was perfect.

A former teacher, Layla became interested in politics as a way to change education policy. Getting elected was a complete surprise. Sitting in this same cafe, awaiting the results in 2017, she thought she was heading back to school the next day but instead it was off to the Houses of Parliament. As for there being more female MPs now, Layla comments: “There has always been a sisterhood in the House of Commons, but we are just getting better at it.”

www.franmonks.com / @franmonks

Photographed by Sandra Andrews

Jessica Morden has been actively involved with the Labour Party for over 35 years. She served as General Secretary of Welsh Labour from 1999 to 2005, before being elected MP for Newport East. She is now Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party and a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee. Her political focus includes anti-social behaviour, policing, the steel industry and championing the city of Newport.

Having grown up in Cwmbran, Jessica’s roots remain firmly in Gwent, and she maintains a strong connection with her constituency. While Cwmbran and Newport are only a few miles apart, the journey from a pupil at Croesyceiliog School to serving as MP for over 21 years reflects remarkable dedication, resilience and leadership. It’s no surprise that she connected with the 40% Project and made time in her busy schedule to take part.

Newport East continues to evolve, building on its industrial, maritime and cultural heritage. The steelworks, long central to the city’s identity, are now looking towards regeneration with the launch of a new steel strategy. Newport Docks and Welsh Rail are also benefiting from significant investment, while the city is home to advanced manufacturing, cyber security expertise and a globally important semiconductor cluster.

At this pivotal time for the UK steel industry, we chose to photograph Jessica beside The Steel Wave on the River Usk — a symbol of Newport’s heritage, strength and resilience. An apt setting for “The Steel MP.”

saimages.co.uk

Photographed by Geraldine Curtis

Helen Morgan has been Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire since December 2021 when she convincingly won the by-election brought about by the resignation of the previous Conservative MP.

On first meeting Helen, you are immediately struck by the warmth of her huge smile, which despite the cliché really does light up the room and puts you immediately at ease in her presence. Brought up in neighbouring Staffordshire, Helen has made a big impact on the lives of the people of North Shropshire with her firm support for and highlighting of many rural issues.

Our location for the photoshoot was a local dairy farm. I took photos of Helen against a backdrop of the rural expanse of North Shropshire with Wales in the distance. The farm’s elevated position giving the perfect view of the local area. On the way back to Wem (her constituency office), Helen described how she had visited a local chicken farm in the morning to discuss a planning issue. Interestingly, the main part of our conversation followed a farming theme, North Shropshire being a very important food producing area for milk, chickens and potatoes.

Taking Helen’s portrait has been hugely important to me. Not only for taking part in The 40% Project, but as a farmer’s daughter, to help promote Women MPs supporting a largely rural community and all the challenges this brings means so much to me. My challenge was also to use off camera flash to make the portrait ‘pop’ in the late afternoon autumn light.

geraldinecurtis.bsky.social / www.flickr.com/photos/geraldinecurtis/

Photographed by Dee Robinson ARPS

Joy was born in USA and on her way to the United Kingdom and her future husband she undertook humanitarian work in Albania, Kosovo, China, and India, helping refugees, working in an orphanage and teaching English in 1999/2000. In 2008 at the LSE, she received a master's degree specialising in European Social Policy going on to attain British citizenship and is now a British American dual national. Politics followed, councillor on Ealing Council, standing as an MP for Ealing Central and Action at the snap 2017 general election coming second. In 2018 she was one of the 3 conservative nominations for London Mayoral Election. In 2019 she was elected MP for Beaconsfield, a busy lady. As a fervent campaigner and supporter of the Green Belt it was a no brainer to suggest we did the photo shoot with her beautiful, retired racehorse Dreamie. To get to know the other side of Joy was a joy.

@deerobinsonphotographer

Photographed by Antonia Penia

Margaret Mullane, Labour Party MP for Dagenham and Rainham. Taking part in The Royal Photographic Society’s 40% Project felt both meaningful and historic. As a woman photographer, contributing to a visual archive that celebrates women holding power in Parliament is something I deeply value. This project is not only about portraits, but about visibility, representation, and marking a moment of change.

I photographed Margaret Mullane MP with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben behind her, an iconic setting that symbolises the place where she works and where 40% of seats are now held by women. It felt important to situate her within this recognisable landscape, anchoring her presence firmly in the heart of Westminster. Due to parliamentary schedules and limited overlap in our availability, the portrait session took place after sunset and lasted just thirty minutes. The fading light, winter weather, and the fast pace of the shoot presented technical and creative challenges, but they also reflected the reality of this moment: women in leadership are busy, in demand, and constantly moving.

Despite the constraints, working with Margaret was a genuinely positive experience. She was warm, open, and supportive of the project, fully understanding its significance. While more time always offers more possibilities, this portrait represents what was achievable in a brief encounter, an honest response to the circumstances.

For me, participating in the 40% Project is about showing up, contributing my voice, and helping ensure that this moment in history is seen, recorded, and remembered through a female photographic gaze.

http://www.antoniapenia.com  / @antoniapenia

Photographed by Lucy Arscott

Tessa has served as the Liberal Democrat MP for the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency since July 2024 and is currently a member of the Justice Committee. She previously represented the Wells constituency from 2010 to 2015.

Widely recognised as a dedicated community campaigner and a true champion for her constituents, Tessa is committed to remaining accessible and active in local life. She continues her tradition of holding regular surgeries in cafés and pubs across the constituency, having already held more than 150 since last July. Her previous record of 704 MP surgeries during her first term still stands as the highest of any MP.

The few hours I spent with Tessa while capturing this portrait were truly unforgettable. She is a genuine force—resolute, compassionate, and unshakeable. You can trust that she’ll always be in your corner, ready to stand up and fight for every issue you care about.

www.lucyarscott.com 

Photographed by Kelly Mclean

Katrain Murry MP for the Scottish labour party in Cumbernauld and Kirkintiloch.  I met with Katrina while she was out campaigning, and it was lovely to chat with her in a non-political way. I believe it’s important, especially when meeting people in influential positions, to recognise the vulnerability and humanity behind the role.

Speaking with her reminded me that titles and responsibilities don’t take away the emotion, challenge, or personal history that shape who we are. We laughed about drifting into our mid-life crisis era and how, despite the chaos that can come with that stage of life, we both felt driven to make a meaningful difference for others.

Katrina shared that she grew up in Kirkintilloch and had recently lost her dad; it was clear that this was a deeply painful loss, and hearing her speak about him with such warmth gave me an even greater appreciation of her compassion and strength. Katrina is deeply passionate about women’s safety and about raising awareness of the many challenges faced by women experiencing coercive or financial control. This strongly resonated with me on a personal level. All too often, these issues are minimised or misunderstood, leaving women to navigate complex, frightening circumstances without the support, resources, or recognition they deserve. Knowing that Katrina is committed to amplifying these voices is incredibly encouraging.

I have been invited to the Cumbernauld Summit in January, and I look forward to attending and continuing this important conversation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Katrina and her team in the future as we strive to create safer and more supportive communities for all.

K.mc.photography

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

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

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, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North. Caroline and I talked beforehand about the location. We felt it was important that it was somewhere close to her heart. We chose the New Forest, as it stretches from her back garden.

As we walked to the spot she had chosen, deer lept over the fences and cattle grazed next to her back wall. It felt a million miles from the The Houses of Parliament. It was clear that this was the place Caroline felt most at home.

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/

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. Bondfield was a women’s rights activist who was elected as the UK’s first female MP in 1923.

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 P. 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 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, Independent 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

Photographed by Deborah Hutt

Photographing Rachel Taylor MP, Labour member for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, was an absolute delight. Framed by the iconic backdrop of Westminster, Rachel posed with quiet confidence, endless patience and always with a twinkle in her eye!

As one of Parliament’s newer members, Rachel is already making her mark — championing issues like freight crime, social justice, healthcare reform, and equality with clarity and conviction. Her passion for community engagement and grassroots sport along with her background in law shine through in everything she says and does. What struck me most was her openness: she spoke candidly about the challenges of public life and her hopes for a more inclusive political landscape.

Rachel’s portrait aims to reflect not just her role in Parliament, but the kind of leader she is — engaged, empathetic, and driven by a desire to make real change.

@debshutt

Photographed by Nicola Tree

Dame Emily Thornberry MP has represented Islington South and Finsbury for twenty years. She was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee last year, after serving for nearly a decade in the Labour Shadow Cabinet.  

We wanted to take photos with globes and maps to represent her focus on foreign affairs. Where better than the Royal Geographical Society? A fitting location not only because they house over one million maps in their historic Collections but also because their work with schools, universities, businesses and in policy is driven by a commitment to help tackle today’s global challenges through the championing of geography.   Director Joe Smith welcomed us and treated us to a tour of the Society’s Collections, sharing the work they are doing to bring the contributions and achievements of those previously obscured from history to light. Emily was particularly moved by a picture of Arnarulunnguaq, a Greenlandic woman born in 1896 who travelled 18,000km across the Arctic and Bering Strait with the Thule expedition. Largely overlooked in past histories of exploration, her photograph now hangs in the Main Hall of the Society for all to see.   

Emily’s portrait was taken in the Society’s Council Room, among historic globes and portraits of geographers and explorers. She chose to have her picture taken in front of a portrait of Peter Kropotkin, a nineteenth century Russian physical geographer and key anarchist thinker. During his exile from Imperial Russia key figures in the Society enabled him to maintain his research and writing, including his educational manifesto ‘What Geography Ought to Be' which argued that geography is not only fundamental to understanding the natural world, but also to nurturing mutual respect.

www.nicolatree.com

Photographed by Jenny Owen LRPS

Dr Marie Tidball was elected as Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire in 2024: the first MP there in one hundred years to have grown up in the constituency, and the first MP with congenital limb difference. Marie gained a law degree, MA and Doctorate from Oxford and came to Parliament with experience in research, activism and community work. She has campaigned for the rights of people with disabilities and for improvements in maternity care. These themes are closely linked for Marie, given her personal experience of accessing health services as a mother with physical disabilities.

Marie has been a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity, is Co-Chair, Disability Parliamentary Labour Party and Chair, Members' Accessibility Group and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for Business and Trade. No surprise, then, that Marie's diary was packed, and suggested a shoot in Westminster.

I arrived at Portcullis House on a damp February afternoon, to a cheery welcome. Marie had identified some locations, and her team kindly provided a ring light (invaluable in the dimly-lit interiors). As we moved from office to committee room and then the lobby, I was struck by Marie's warmth and sense of humour as she exchanged greetings and updates with passing MPs and Parliamentary staff. Her enthusiasm and commitment really stood out. Marie chose an image from the parliamentary lobby setting, reflecting her own determined stance and her in-depth work on behalf of her constituents.

@jennyowenphoto

Photographed by Qian Li ARPS

My portrait shoot with Jessica Toale MP began with a firm handshake outside the charming Westbourne Arcade. Jessica, the Labour MP for Bournemouth West, is determined to reinvigorate the town’s high streets and introduced me to hidden gems of local businesses—rekindling precious memories of my own time living in Bournemouth.

During the shoot, we were occasionally stopped by residents who recognised her. Jessica greeted each with a warm smile and handshake before seamlessly returning to the session. She carried this friendliness and confidence throughout, brightening the otherwise grey weather. Jessica Toale MP’s priorities include reviving the town centre, protecting the environment, investing in public services, building safer communities, and ensuring fairer housing—all part of her vision to restore the vibrant town she remembers from her youth. That passion was clear in our conversation, and it was a pleasure to capture her determination toward this vision in this portrait, celebrating the milestone of 40% female representation in Parliament.

www.michelleqianliphoto.com / @mclee917

Photographed by Sujata Setia

Laura Trott’s presence in Parliament carries with it a sense of early conviction - the rare clarity of someone who knew, from a young age, that public life could be a means of service. As a child, she understood politics not as power, but as responsibility: a way to help people, to intervene where harm could be prevented, and to shape environments in which future generations might feel safer, more protected, and more seen.

That impulse continues to define her work today. One of the causes she has pursued with particular determination is the removal of mobile phone usage from schools within her constituency. At a time when the mental health of children and young people is increasingly shaped by digital exposure, surveillance, and comparison, this advocacy speaks to a deeply maternal mode of politics - one rooted in care, foresight, and protection rather than spectacle. It is not a campaign driven by headlines, but by an understanding of how quiet, everyday structures shape childhood itself.

Photographing Laura Trott for the 40% Women in Parliament project felt like an encounter with a woman whose political identity is inseparable from a long-held ethical instinct. Her work reflects a belief that leadership can be preventative, attentive, and grounded in listening - qualities that have historically been undervalued within political culture, yet are increasingly vital.

As the number of women in Parliament reaches a significant threshold, Trott’s story reminds us that representation is not only about presence, but about the values women bring with them: a politics shaped by care, continuity, and the courage to act early, before damage becomes irreversible. Laura Trott is the Conservative MP for Sevenoaks

sujatasetia.com / @sujatasetia 

Photographed by Alexandra Prescott FRPS

Anna Turley was elected as the MP for Redcar and Cleveland in July 2024, previously serving from 2015 to 2019   She was Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip) from 10 July 2024 to 6 September 2025.

Anna was appointed Minister of State in the Cabinet Office (Minister without Portfolio) on 6 September 2025 and appointed as a Member of the Privy Council on 10th September 2025. 

Our shoot was arranged for the 4^th August 2025 at South Gare Beach an area of reclaimed land and breakwater on the southern side of the mouth of the River Tees in Redcar and Cleveland., a site of special scientific interest. On the day, a yellow weather warning was in place with winds of up to 23 mph. Anna’s ‘can do’ attitude and her personal mantra of ‘Never forget who put you there, on whose behalf you’re working’, which has contributed so much towards her professional success, supported her decision to go ahead anyway. 

Whilst we faced the wind and showers, we talked of many things including her ambition to make the area into a wildlife reserve and her personal interest in photography.  Anna never once stopped smiling, pausing only to wipe away the raindrops as the weather got steadily worse. A quick review   of images on the card and a selfie with Anna and her team, we considered the job done.   

I received the following email a few days later

Thank you so much for the photography session on Monday. Despite the wild weather and gusty winds, it was such a relaxed and enjoyable morning and lovely to have the chance to chat with you.

You made it all feel very easy, and the images look fantastic. I really appreciate you taking the time to be involved (with the RPS WIP Project).

Thanks again for making it such a fun and memorable shoot!

Photographed by Alexandra Prescott FRPS

Liz Twist, MP for Blaydon and Consett. Her passion for her constituency was evident before we met – as we discussed how and where she would like to be photographed.

“I want a recognisable constituency background to feature in the portrait”

Two days of onsite reconnoitres with stand-in models including constituents and I had an idea of how I could present Liz. Her PR team liked the ideas and the plan for the day was agreed. My positive experiences of using constituents as stand in models gave me an insight to the high level of local respect and how popular she is as an MP.

On the day when Liz arrived – there was sunshine (no need for my rainy-day shoot plan). As well as being dressed for business, she had a number of different colour jackets and her sash showing the number 473 denoting that she was the 473rd woman MP to be elected to Westminster. I asked her to choose her favourite, and we also choose a couple of back up colours

During the shoot no one could have done more to put me at my ease, nothing was too much trouble and time was no concern, her team had allocated the day.

As we walked from site-to-site Liz told me about her background as a Councillor and the things that mattered to the constituency, the things that she is passionate about. Wellbeing, green spaces, education and regeneration being high on the list.

As we walked people stopped to say hi and Liz had a word /time for everyone, especially the small children. One particular shot (which wasn’t the final choice) involved a sculptured wood bench which was very popular and we had to wait till it came free. Liz spent the time talking to passers-by.

The final portrait shows Liz Twist. MP in her sash, under the Butterfly Bridge. This is an iconic and significant industrial and social history crossing point on the River Derwent. It has been damaged and rebuilt many times, this century in 2008 by floods and rebuilt in 2011.

Photographed by Monika Drzewicz

I joined the 40% Project just before its final chapter and was paired with Valerie Vaz. What followed was a month-long exchange of emails featuring an impressive choreography of cancellations and rescheduling. At some point, I began to suspect the session might remain purely theoretical, and worried my persistence might be wearing thin. Then, in a moment I would happily erase from history, I managed to address her as “Mr” in not one, but two emails. She politely corrected me. I, internally, began planning my disappearance.

By the time we finally confirmed a date, I arrived at Westminster Hall with a healthy dose of apprehension, fully prepared for a polite but strained encounter.

Instead, the opposite unfolded. She arrived and immediately dismantled every anxious storyline I had been rehearsing. Warm, self-assured, and effortlessly engaging, she brought a sense of ease that transformed the entire experience. Fully present and open to collaboration, she approached the session with generosity and curiosity.

We spent around ninety minutes together, during which she shared her knowledge of Westminster with genuine enthusiasm, leading me through spaces that feel almost mythical in their inaccessibility. The session became far richer than a portrait sitting — a meeting of minds, not just a photographic exercise.

I left not only with the images, but with an invitation for tea at Westminster — a rather perfect ending to a project dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions to public life.

Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP is the Labour MP for Walsall South, serving since 2010. A barrister by training, she has held prominent parliamentary roles, including Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, with a focus on equality, justice, and human rights.

www.monide-photography.com / @monivandrevitz

Photographed by Karen Brindley ARPS

I had the pleasure of photographing Caroline Voaden (Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon) at the end of summer as Parliament returned. We selected the fishing town of Brixham for the shoot, mainly because it’s the UK’s second largest fishing port and along with agriculture and hospitality/tourism, these sectors significantly contribute to the revenues and employment opportunities within her constituency.

Caroline’s journey in politics started just after the Brexit referendum, when she felt compelled to speak out about the UK’s move away from Europe and at that time the fishing community were certainly pro-Brexit. But over the intervening years, the improved fishing rights never materialised and Caroline has been working with this community to take up their concerns on fishing quota and ecology safeguarding.

South Devon is a very large, mainly rural constituency and while it has stunning scenery, at times, it can feel a million miles away from the capital, due to its poor transport links and even poorer broadband services – issues that are also close to Caroline’s heart. Her background in journalism and running charitable causes, has clearly provided her with the necessary skills to interact with all kinds of people, quickly understand salient issues and then champion them.

In all my dealings with Caroline, she came across as warm, forthright, determined and focused. One of the additional benefits to this project, seems to be the universal admiration by the photographers for these MPs (regardless of their party), who work tirelessly on behalf of their constituents.

karenbrindleyphotography.com

Photographed by Sally Anderson LRPS

Imogen Walker is the MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley in Scotland. She has served as a Labour Party politician since the 2024 general election.

Her chosen location for our shoot was New Lanark, a fabulous industrial World Heritage Site comprising a unique 18th century mill and model village known for its philanthropist Robert Owen who instituted workplace, social and educational reforms. It was a fitting location given that Imogen's maiden speech was during the Employment Rights Bill in October 2024, and she was the Government teller in the House of Commons when the Bill became the Employment Rights Act in December 2025.

We met on a cold frosty day in early January and were spoilt for choice with the many wonderful architectural features and picturesque views. As a former actress, Imogen is skilled in posing, so needed very little direction. As well as a portrait, I thought it was important to capture the context of the location.

www.sallyanderson.co.uk / @sallyandersonphotos

Photographed by Alice Poole

Melanie Ward is the Scottish Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, elected in 2024 to represent this newly formed constituency in Fife.

I met Melanie on a clear but blustery day in North Queensferry, where the view stretched across three iconic bridges as we looked towards Cowdenbeath. We stopped to take her portrait at a place that holds particular meaning for her; the Forth Bridge. We spoke about the importance of the bridge in connecting communities, and how its history feels deeply intertwined with the area itself. In many ways, the Forth Bridge has come to symbolise this new constituency and Melanie’s journey into Parliament. Melanie’s parliamentary work often bridges the gap between domestic and global issues. Prior to entering politics, she spent years working in humanitarian aid before becoming CEO of Medical Aid for Palestinians. After an impressive humanitarian career, Melanie realised she wanted to be directly involved in creating change, understanding that political power could be a force for meaningful action.

Throughout our time together, her commitment to Scotland and to Fife was unmistakable. I met Melanie on a busy day, travelling between the House of Commons and Cowdenbeath, shortly after she had secured funding under the Growth Mission Fund to help restore Kirkcaldy town centre. It was inspiring to see her commitment in action, and to reflect on what it means to witness women shaping political spaces and using their voice and power to enforce change for good.

alicepoole.co @alicepoole__ 

Photographed by Sarah Parnell

Michelle Welsh is Labour MP for Sherwood Forest. I met with Michelle, in her constituency office to find a concern in the air, a situation had occurred that very morning which had an effect on the whole office. We sat together for a cup of tea and a chat regarding the work Michelle is deeply involved with As Chair of the Maternity All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Michelle’s commitment can only be described as a tireless advocate, for the families impacted by the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust systemic failings back in 2021. Her work alongside Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Independent Maternity Review, and other key figures in the fight for better maternity care are helping change how we deliver maternity services in the UK. An issue which is often underrepresented in the media, despite its far-reaching impact. Michelle continues to push for justice and reform on behalf of the families she works so closely with.

This portrait of Michelle serves as a reminder of the critical issues women like her are championing. It captures a moment of contemplation, on a morning where work requires her to pivot from one issue to another, all requiring the same care and due diligence. Through the intimate perspective of a female photographer, the image conveys not just her political influence, but her empathy and commitment to those she represents.

The 40% Project focus on female MP’s highlights the unique perspectives women bring to positions of power, showcasing the vital work of those like Michelle Welsh, who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. 

@parnellsarahj

Photographed by Esther Serrano

Catherine West, Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet since 2015, serves on the Treasury Select Committee. She was Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Indo-Pacific (2024–2025) and has worked on cross-party initiatives in human rights, sustainability, economic cooperation, and development. Australian-born, she has academic backgrounds in social sciences and languages. 

Her chosen location to be photographed, Alexandra Palace, is at the heart of her constituency. Built in early 1870s as a cultural landmark, it later served as a refuge for those fleeing the First World War.

Catherine West‘s ideology mirrors the Palace’s history: she is committed to ensure that arts and culture are accessible to all, not only the privileged ones. She is determined to improve public services and social justice; championing refugee rights; mental health care; free school meals; youth employment; humane treatment of prisoners and efforts to reduce discrimination against women and marginalised groups.

Environmental protection is also central to her politics. At the location where her portrait was taken -Palm Court- expansive glass ceilings flood the space with natural light, complementing the lush plants and striking architecture. Catherine West’s portrait highlights history, innovation as well as cultural and natural heritage.

Catherine West founded the Islington Fairness Commission, to address inequality, and her leadership has been recognised with Local Authority Leader of the Year (2013) and MP of the Year from the Patchwork Foundation (2022).

I would like to thank Alexandra Palace staff for their assistance.

www.esther-serrano-artist.com (in preparation)

Photographed by Catherine Smith

Helen Whately Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, since 2015, is Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Our meeting took place at Standard Quay in Faversham on a cold and notably windy morning in late September. Standard Quay, a historic former commercial port, positioned on the navigable arm of The Swale, traces its origins in maritime trade to AD 699.

Today, following regeneration efforts it serves as a hub for local business while maintaining its function as an active working quay. The chosen portrait was taken in front of Customs House, where it offered partial shelter from the prevailing wind. Helen faced into the breeze, a gesture that seemed to capture her direct and pragmatic nature observed during our time together. The solid white brickwork provided a classic backdrop, its clarity accentuating her lateral profile. Positioned in the lower two-thirds of the frame, she appears grounded, a composition that suggests both resilience and opportunity.

During our conversation Helen spoke with conviction about the challenges facing local farming and industry. Her words carried a sense of care and concern reflecting her deep commitment to the community she represents. When I asked why she chose politics, she explained that it was where she felt she could make the greatest difference.

www.cat8smithphotography.com /@cat8smithphotography

Photographed by Lucy Saggers

Jo chose to meet in Retford Market Square, a place of deep political history where votes were bought and sold prior to the 1832 Parliamentary Reform Act.

Having been involved in politics since her youth, it was after Jo’s children had grown up and left home that she became increasingly politically active. In 2012 Jo was elected as a councillor, becoming Deputy Leader  in 2015, and at the general election in 2024 she was elected Labour MP for Bassetlaw.

During our time in Retford Market Place, Jo was approached by a constituent struggling to get the necessary support for his housing repairs. Jo took time to carefully listen and assure him she will follow up his case.

It was a privilege to see this constituency work in action.

www.lucysaggers.com

Photographed by Evelyn Lawrence

As an honorary Yorkshirewoman - having moved here from Derbyshire and married a Yorkshireman - I wanted this portrait to be rooted in the landscape of ‘God’s own county’. 

When the RPS Women in Photography group paired me with Katie White the Labour MP for Leeds North West, I was struck by how her environmental work, from co-leading the campaign for the Climate Change Act 2008, to receiving an OBE for services to tackling climate change, resonated with this vision.

In our conversation, Katie spoke less of the ‘doom and gloom’ side of climate action, and more of highlighting the joy the environment brings: the restorative act of stepping outside, breathing deeply, and feeling better for it. That moment of pause became central to my concept.

I created a simple portrait of Katie on a white background inside her constituency office, then overlaid it with an image I’d taken at Otley Chevin, an iconic 700-acre nature reserve within Leeds North West. This is near the top of the Chevin’s ‘Surprise View’, where a figure stands, breathing in the surroundings. Katie’s pose echoes this gesture, inviting the viewer to share in the same quiet moment of connection with nature.

Photographed by Mia Rodgers

Robin Hood – A symbol of hope, freedom and rebellion against injustice. When Nadia Whittome suggested the Robin Hood statue in Nottingham as a location for our photoshoot it immediately struck me as a relevant symbol when you look at politics today. Nadia Whittome joined parliament in 2019 as Labour MP for Nottingham East. At the time, she was baby of the house at just 23 years old.

Nadia is Nottingham born and bred, a true part of her community in Nottingham East. In fact, in the middle of shooting an old schoolmate of Nadia’s walked past, we stopped and chatted with her for a bit, discussing her recent wedding and the project we’re working on. When talking to Nadia, it really felt like she was one of us.

We discussed why she got into politics, and she cited a feeling of anger about politics – something I think much of the British public can relate to. It felt truly refreshing to speak to an elected member of parliament who can relate to what the wider public are feeling too – in fact this is something she actively thinks about, telling me that, for example, while she can’t relate to the struggles of trans people she can use her experiences as a queer woman of colour in Britain to empathise with issues she may not directly experience.

It was a pleasure to meet and photograph an MP who approaches her role in politics with such care and empathy.

@mimilouphoto

Photographed by Qian Li ARPS

Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat for Twickenham. The portrait of Munira Wilson MP was taken at her office near York House, Twickenham, on a sunny Friday afternoon. As the Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, Munira is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in her constituency, including in the areas of health, the environment, the cost of living and transport.

As the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children, Young People and Families, Munira is particularly passionate about supporting parents and providing children and young people with the best opportunities to thrive in life. Munira’s care for her community is evident not only in her political work but also in the small moments of everyday life. While we were crossing the road to reach the next photoshoot location, she paused to patiently help a woman with directions to York House—an unprompted gesture that quietly reflected her approachable and compassionate nature. Friendly and patient, Munira made the collaborative photoshoot an enjoyable experience.

As a resident of Twickenham, I was pleased to mark the milestone of 40% female representation in Parliament by photographing her.

www.michelleqianliphoto.com / @mclee917 

Photographer Dee Robinson ARPS

Yuan Yang Labour MP for Early and Woodley. Yuan was born in China bought up by her maternal grandparents and at the age of 4 joined her parents in the North of England, as a child she was passionate about writing, attended Bradford Grammer, attained a first class honours degree in PPE at Oxford. She has also received further degrees from the London School of Economics and Peking University Then returned to China in 2016 working as a journalist for the Financial Times.

She entered Parliament in 2024 becoming the UK's first Chinese-born MP. I discovered a lady who loves the outdoors and nature, loves camping trips and climbing trees. A real delight to be with.

Photographed by Janet Gibson

Claire Young was elected as the Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury & Yate in July 2024. Her previous experience as a Councillor and Council Leader informs her knowledge of the constituency and local issues. She is a passionate advocate for SEND education rights and the environment and sits on the Energy Security & Net Zero Select Committee.

I met Claire Young MP, on 2 January 2026, at St John’s Church in Old Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, which like many Norman churches was perched on an ancient knoll. 

It was a cold, sunny morning and, as we walked to the location, Claire shared her story of what drew her into public service and ultimately led her to stand for Parliament. Claire’s passion for making a difference in her community was evident; as a parent herself, she campaigned with other parents to address under funding in local schools. 

Outside the church we were greeted with a spectacular panoramic view which seems to stretch endlessly across the winter landscape. St John the Baptist Chipping Sodbury was visible and on the distant horizon the two Severn Bridges to the west. Claire chose this location as it offered a sense of the community she represents.  

Beyond her political work, Claire has a range of interests; played football, is a keen walker and an amateur photographer, like me. Photographing Claire enabled me to capture a snapshot of a person who is actively shaping local and national policy. For me, what distinguishes Claire's approach to politics is her belief that politicians need to listen more. 

janetgibson12@googlemail.com 

Photographed by Meghana Geetha

Dame Angela Eagle MP and Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP represent Wallasey and Liverpool Garston on either side for the Mersey. They are the first and only set of twin sisters to have both been elected to Parliament. Both sisters have held various offices of state, including Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs and Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry respectively.

Growing up, both sisters were chess champions and avid cricket players, both graduating with a degree from the University of Oxford. Angela worked for the COHSE trade union as a researcher and parliamentary liaison officer. Maria qualified as a solicitor specialising in housing and employment law and began campaigning for justice for the families of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Eagles are the fourth set of identical twin sisters I have photographed. I was fairly comfortable given this, our shared alma mater and my prior work in the Parliament. But when you have 20 minutes in the afternoon sun, none of that matters. One simply has to get the job done. I shot one roll of film on the Rolleiflex and there was no showing the “back of the camera”. Just when I finished 12 frames, time was up. 

@meghanageethaa / www.meghanageetha.com