One day at a time

I take one day at a time – says West Worcestershire MP, Harriett Baldwin. To find out more about what it’s like to be an MP, work in the Treasury, Ministry of Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development and how Harriett’s Mother inspired her positive attitude, read our latest interview with Harriett online, in print or below:

My alarm goes off…

Depending on the day, between 4am and 8am.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

My first career was a pension fund manager in the City and I came late into politics after I saw what the, then, Labour Government was doing to our economy. I moved to Worcestershire in 2006 after I was selected to fight the West Worcestershire seat, succeeding the late Lord Spicer. I was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2015 and 2017.

My typical day…

Every day is different and this is one of the main reasons I enjoy my job. From Monday to Thursday I am in Westminster attending meetings and representing my constituents at the House of Commons – and sometimes meeting them when they come to see me in London. I return to Worcestershire for meetings with local people and local businesses on Friday and the weekend. I also hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency and from time to time, hold larger meetings with communities to cover specific areas of concern, of just to give people a chance to meet with or question their Member of Parliament.

I’m responsible for …

First and foremost I am responsible for the 100,000 or men, women and children who live in West Worcestershire. Previously, I have been a Minister in the Government, working in the Treasury, the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. I have some challenging and interesting portfolios, but my principal task is always to be a strong voice for my constituents, whether is it securing extra funding for our local NHS, our schools, extra police or helping local businesses to thrive and grow.

What worries you?

I never worry about things.

What are your notable highlights to date?

I’m proud to have been part of the campaign to secure the new Malvern Community Hospital, which is a highly valued community asset and alongside that I have spoken up to make sure our hospitals get the best possible funding deal to give us and our loved ones the best possible care. I’ve lobbied hard for the money to build the new Worcestershire Parkway station and the improvements along the Southern Link road including building of the new Carrington Road bridge. I regularly discuss school funding with local parents and teachers and I have been delighted to make great progress securing a fairer funding deal for Worcestershire schools.

What’s the key to your success?

A positive attitude. I’ve always been an advocate of the phrase ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ and that’s driven my work in Westminster.

Who or what has been your biggest influence?

My late mother. She wanted her daughters to achieve their potential in a way that her generation could not. I dedicated my first election win to her memory and I’ve always worked in Westminster to increase the number of women involved in politics at all levels – something my mother would have encouraged as she did for me.

What’s on your to do list?

For every woman and girl to have the same opportunities I have had in education and in work.

Biggest bugbear?

People who don’t put the second ‘t’ in Harriett.

What I wanted to be when I grew up

I wanted to be the UN Secretary General.

Where can you mostly be found after work?

In the swimming pool.

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

Network. Make the effort to meet as many people as you can.

Most memorable piece of advice you’ve received?

When I was younger, my headmistress suggested that I should become a ‘glove buyer’ at Harrods.

My party piece?

I can recite Pushkin poetry in Russian. I studied French and Russian at Oxford University and I can still quote my favourite poems.

What’s next?

We live in very interesting times. I take one day at a time.

How do people find out about you?

If you spell my name correctly, you can find me on Google! I have my own website, www.harriettbaldwin.com where I post regular news and updates and I have a Twitter account  @hbaldwin, Facebook @harriettbaldwin and Instagram @harriett.baldwin. And my constituents are welcome to write to me at harriett.baldwin.mp@parliament.uk or just drop me a line at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.