One of my favourite podcasts is the Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (also known as RHLSTP (RHLSTP!)). It ranges from being gloriously vulgar to delightfully insightful and features interviews with a variety of fascinating guests. One of the most interesting was with Jess Phillips MP (number 170), whose book, 'Everywoman: One Woman's Truth About Speaking the Truth' I have just finished.
In 'Everywoman..', Ms Phillips sets the record straight by telling her side of what it's like to be a vocal woman and feminist working in the public eye. In chapters such as 'The Truth About Speaking Up', 'The Truth About Starting a New Career', 'The Truth About Equality', 'The Truth About Winning Elections' and 'The Truth About Trolling', she describes her experiences in life and work and the conclusions they have led her to. Passionate, down-to-earth and driven, Ms Phillips lifts the lid on politics and privilege from her point of view.
I found this book really interesting and feel that it's a valuable addition to the cannon of recent books and documentaries lifting the lid on life at Westminster. Ms Phillips' no nonsense tone is consistent throughout and, whatever you think of her politics, you can't help but end the book with increased respect for her and other politicians like her.
After the murder of Jo Cox, I remember wishing that we'd heard more about her work before her death and that it was sickening that she only became newsworthy when something awful happened to her and her family. She proved that there were 'normal' politicians out there motivated by love for their communities, not just quasi-celebrity MPs who constantly make the front pages with one gaff or doomed but headline grabbing 'Next Big Idea' after another. This book fits very well with that desire.
While I respect Ms Phillips' for her consistent, passionate voice, however, this isn't really a relaxing read. It has to be taken in small doses simply because it's so intense of feeling. I can see why some people may have been put off by it, but at the end of the day, women have to not only shout louder than men to get themselves heard in a system predisposed to white males, they then have to take a lot of crap for challenging the status quo, so it's understandable that they can come across as ramped up to 11.
Overall, I found 'Everywoman...' interesting and inspirational and thought a young person's book along similar lines would be great. I just wish more MPs were like Ms Phillips and can't help but think it would be easier to have more faith in the political system if they were.
Now, what next...
