PPC Profile: Bridget Phillipson

Full Name: Bridget Phillipson

Age: 26

From: Sunderland

PPC for: Houghton & Sunderland South

Selection Result: A close result, ahead in the first round and won in the second.

Member of the Labour Party since: 1998

Website: www.bridgetphillipson.co.uk

Twitter: @BMPhillipson

CV:
I was born and brought up in Washington in the city of Sunderland where I still live and work. I attended local state schools and went on to study history at Oxford University. I returned to Sunderland having completed my degree and, following a period in local government, I began work for a local charity Wearside Women in Need in 2007. I manage a women’s refuge based within the constituency for families fleeing domestic violence. I believe this has given me a strong understanding of the challenges many families face, including poverty and disadvantage. I work closely with with partner agencies such as Police, Probation and Children’s Services.

I was inspired to go into politics because:
I grew up in a council street in the 1980s under Thatcher. It was a painfully difficult time for everyone – we lived in delapidated houses with no prospect of improvement, crime was sky rocketing and there was a shut down of the major industry in the area. I was angered by the injustice I saw around me and for all I was lucky and had a supportive family I know that not everyone had these advantages.

My mam was a party member and took me along to meetings (partly as there wasn’t much in the way of childcare for single parents – no Children’s Centres then!). Joining the Labour Party at 15 was a natural progression for me and it was where I felt I belonged politically. I was always made to feel welcome by party members – it was like being part of a family. I saw from an early age that political activity could make a difference and I was determined to be a part of that.

My main policy interests are:

1 – Housing:
We must continue to invest in and build good quality homes to buy and rent. The vast majority of social housing in Sunderland now meets the decent homes standard, but I regularly speak to families where their children cannot find a home to rent near where they grew up. I also want to see firm action to tackle rogue private landlords who don’t maintain their properties and action against anti-social behaviour that often blights our communities.

2 – Support for families and older people:
I’m proud of all we have done, particularly in tackling pensioner poverty and supporting families. We have made great strides in tackling child poverty but too often where you are born will determine your life chances. I’m particularly passionate about fighting for children leaving the care system who are amongst our most vulnerable and have experienced abuse and neglect. I will fight to make sure that work pays, that care leavers need the support they need and that the earnings link is restored to pensions.

3 – Support for our armed forces:
Many young men and women from Sunderland join our armed forces. Their families and the people of Sunderland are rightly very proud of the sacrifices they make on our behalf. I want to make sure that when they return our troops receive the support they need to secure a job and somewhere to live. I know from the work I have done with SSAFA and local campaigners that this adjustment can be difficult, especially as many of those returning now have seen extensive active service.

Three things I think should be in the next Labour manifesto are:

1 – A National Care Service: We need a comprehensive service for all older people across the country so that the service you receive isn’t determined by where you live.

2 – Shared parental leave: I want to see parents given greater choice in how they split their leave and fathers encouraged and enabled to play a full role in the care of their children.

3 – Votes at 16: I think young people should be encouraged to play an active role in the democratic process and if you’re old enough to pay tax you should be old enough to vote.

I think people should vote for me because:
I am from Sunderland and understand the concerns and needs of local people. I am rooted in the community I want to serve. I am proud of our area and I will bring my experience, drive and commitment to help to improve the lives of everyone in the community. I know how to get things done and I know how much determination and hard work this often requires!