A SPECIALIST teacher manager from Harlow was invited to Prime Minister’s Questions today.

Debbie Pritchard was chosen to shadow Robert Halfon MP around the corridors of power as part of ‘Ask Her to Stand’ Day, which hopes to encourage more women to stand for election.

In Prime Minister’s Questions, Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, asked Theresa May to welcome Harlow resident and specialist teacher manager, Debbie Pritchard, as she joined Robert in Parliament.

The initiative, saw more than 250 inspiring women from all parts of the country descend on Westminster to highlight the need for more women in politics. Today only one in three politicians are women.

On 21 November 1918, just days after the Armistice, the Qualification of Women Act was passed to allow women to stand for Parliament for the first time. Today’s shadowing event is a celebration of this Act and a call for more women to come forward.

The day was organised by campaigners Frances Scott, 50:50 Parliament, Helen Pankhurst and the Centenary Action Group, the Fawcett Society and the Jo Cox Foundation.

Debbie Pritchard with Robert Halfon

Debbie Pritchard said: “It was fascinating to see into a day in the life of an MP and I really enjoyed hearing the stories of females MPs about what encouraged them to first get into politics and stand for Parliament. I was shocked and honored when the Prime Minister welcomed me herself during Prime Minister’s Questions! Though there are many challenges that women have faced to get into public life, it’s important for us to celebrate how these can be overcome. It was a very inspiring day and I thank Robert Halfon for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

Robert Halfon MP added: “At all levels in politics from the grass roots to Westminster we have two men for every one woman. I hope today inspires talented and impressive women like Debbie to get involved and stand for election to give us all broader and more representative decision making. I am particularly keen to see women from all walks of life getting involved, including those from working class or underrepresented backgrounds.”

Frances Scott, Director of 50:50 Parliament who organised the day was delighted with the turnout. She said: “On the centenary of when women were first ever able to stand it is wonderful that so many MPs participated in our #AskHerToStand day by inviting a woman to Parliament. It is a clear demonstration that Westminster does welcome women.”