From Plumber to Parliament: A Green MP's Perspective on Westminster's Disconnect
Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Green Party Member of Parliament for Gorton and Denton, was officially sworn in at the House of Commons on March 2, 2026. The transition from working as a qualified plumber to serving in parliament has been nothing short of a profound culture shock for the first-time MP.
A Working-Class Voice in Westminster's Bubble
"Six weeks ago, I was completing plastering jobs in people's homes," Spencer reflects. "Now I'm navigating the corridors of power, and the contrast couldn't be more stark. This place operates in a bubble that's completely disconnected from the harsh realities most people face every single day."
The MP emphasizes that there simply aren't enough representatives in parliament who truly understand working-class struggles. "Most politicians have no clue how tough things are out there," she states bluntly. "They might think they understand, they might claim to understand, but they don't feel it in their bones like those of us who've lived it."
The Crushing Reality of the Cost of Living Crisis
Spencer describes a nation where ordinary people are barely keeping their heads above water. "Families are finding it increasingly impossible to pay their monthly bills, afford basic groceries, or replace their children's shoes when they outgrow them," she explains. "For too many households, a single unexpected expense—a broken appliance, a parking fine, reduced work hours—can trigger complete financial collapse."
The Green MP notes that what were once considered luxuries have long been eliminated from household budgets. "People have nothing left to cut back on," she says. "Working hard used to guarantee a decent life—a home, occasional holidays, security. Now people work harder than ever and still struggle to afford absolute essentials."
Labour's Inadequate Response
While the Labour government has announced new cost of living measures scheduled for implementation this month, Spencer dismisses them as fundamentally insufficient. "Labour lacks the imagination, boldness, and political will to address this crisis properly," she asserts.
On energy policy, Spencer points to the impending crisis: "With energy bills projected to increase by over £330 annually this summer due to geopolitical tensions, the government refuses to commit to universal support. The Green Party position is clear: ordinary citizens should not bear the burden of this crisis. The government must guarantee that energy bills won't exceed the April-June price cap, and energy companies' excessive profits should be redirected to prevent these increases."
Regarding water utilities, Spencer highlights the recent 5% increase in water bills across England and Wales. "While sewage continues contaminating our rivers, privatized water companies exploit consumers," she argues. "Most people recognize they're being taken advantage of and support renationalization—a longstanding Green policy that the government refuses to even consider."
Benefit Caps and Child Poverty
Spencer acknowledges the impending removal of the two-child benefit cap next week following sustained pressure, but questions the delay. "Labour should have eliminated this policy immediately upon taking office," she states. "Instead, 330,000 children remained in poverty simply because they had more than one sibling. That represents years of unnecessary suffering that could have been prevented."
The MP further criticizes the government's continued support for the household benefit cap, which will keep 140,000 children in poverty due to their family size. "There's no justification for punishing children for being part of larger families," Spencer insists.
A Call for Bold Leadership
Spencer expresses bewilderment at what she perceives as the Labour leadership's lack of vision. "It's baffling that Keir Starmer and his cabinet can be so unimaginative during such a critical period," she says. "They need only look at their constituents' suffering, the public's anger, and the national mood. Either they don't comprehend the severity of the situation, or they simply don't care enough to take bold action."
The Green MP concludes with a sobering assessment: "With this escalating cost of living crisis, countless people are genuinely suffering. The government's current approach demonstrates a fundamental failure to grasp both the scale of the problem and the solutions required to address it effectively."
