TGtB Meets...Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE

Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE sat down with us to chat politics.

Tell us a little about yourself....

I was born in Bath and have lived here all of my life. I started working in the health service in Bath when I left school, I continued to work in GP practices and the RUH for 25 years. I left the health service when I became Mayor of Bath, as one of Bath’s youngest Mayors I wanted to fulfil the role full time as many other Mayors have done. It was an amazing year where I attended 702 events, sometimes going to 5 a day. Being Mayor gave me the opportunity to find out and get more involved with the Bath community. A proud moment for me was when I received an MBE in 2010 for my services to Bath & North East Somerset and for my charity work. I am a mum of 6 grown up children and I have 8 grandchildren and I have run my own events business in Bath since 2004.

When did you first develop an interest in politics?

My father was a Liberal and in the 1960’s he stood twice for Bath City Council, sadly unsuccessfully. I was only young then but I have memories of that time, my dad Tony was my inspiration. I recall as a child being with my family in Victoria Park when Jeremy Thorpe flew in by Helicopter to meet local members. When I was married 38 years ago my husband and I moved to Newbridge that is when I started to help the Liberals with leafleting and at election time.

How did you become a Liberal Democrat councillor?

In the early 1990’s I campaigned for a crossing near Hartwells Garage near my home after two children had been knocked down. I was a young mum and I realised we needed the crossing to enable people to cross the busy road safely. I campaigned for two years and eventually a crossing was installed by Avon County Council. In 1995 the Lib Dems in Bath approached me and said “they had noticed that when I believed in something I would fight for it, would I consider standing for the new council Bath & North East Somerset?”. I discussed this with my family and decided if I could walk through the doors of council maybe I could get more things done for my community. I stood for council in May 1995 and was elected, I have successfully stood in 4 more elections since then.

Choosing to go independent is a big leap, what influenced your decision?

It was a big decision to make, to leave party colleagues who I have worked closely with for 20 years, particularly Caroline my ward colleague. Since 2010 I have watched how the coalition has worked, some Lib Dem policies have been successful, some have not. In recent months people have contacted me asking me if I would stand as a PPC, they have said they want their next MP to be a true local person, someone who has a passion for the City and who has a proven track record for working hard and has the trust of the City’s residents and businesses. I believe in putting Bath first and knowing so many people have faith in me I realised this is the route I should take.

Politics is still a very male dominated area, why do you think this is?

I believe it is harder for a woman to get into politics particularly those who have children, the job is not 9 to 5 and you work very unsociable working hours including evenings and weekends. Both in your role as a councillor and as an MP. My youngest child was 9 when I became a councillor, I was just fortunate that I had wonderful support at home to enable me to fulfil my role over 20 years as a Councillor. I might not have had quantity of time with my family but I have always strived to make it quality time.

What would it mean to you if you are successful in your bid?

I know I can truly put Bath first in my role as an Independent MP,  I will have the freedom to vote for policies in Government that are right for Bath. I will not have to toe a party line as other MP’s have to do. I will have the flexibility to speak to other parties and discuss with them issues that are important to Bath, they will want MP’s to vote with them so I am sure their doors will be open for those discussions, this will allow me to be a strong voice in parliament.

What one thing would you like to see changed in Bath?

The recreation ground is situated in the City centre and as well as being the home of Bath Rugby it has also been utilised for charity concerts, cricket and other city events. On rugby day the shops, restaurants and bars do an amazing trade, keeping Bath rugby on the recreation ground will continue to help the local economy but out of season continue to enable the community to hold events.

How can we encourage the younger generation to take a more active role within politics?

It is important that we show young people that their votes are important, many decisions made    in councils or parliament have an impact on the younger generation whether it is education, health, businesses policies etc. I have for many years given talks to young people on Citizenship, showing them that this is a great way for them to get involved in their communities.

Who is your political idol?

Nelson Mandela – a man who stuck with his convictions, sacrificed many years of freedom but with tenacity he achieved so much for so many. To me he was the greatest statesman of the 20^th century he gave hope to his people and he led by example.

What advice would you give to someone looking to make a difference in their community?

However small or big the challenge give it a go, plan what you want to do, involve your neighbours, local people helping their community can make a difference. For me campaigning for a crossing made the road safe and from then I had the opportunity do more for my community for 20 years as their councillor. There can be times when we cannot always achieve everything we want but don’t give up, you will always regret it if you didn’t try.