Earlier this month I spent International Women’s Day in West Lancashire.

In the morning, I spoke to the young women at Upholland High School about my experience of being a woman in politics. I was also given the privilege of presenting certificates to the girls from the Yr 7 & 8 football teams. The Years 7s reached the quarter finals of the Lancashire Cup, and the Year7/8 team recently won the Wigan u13 district cup. #LetGirlsPlay

Later in the afternoon, I spoke to the Citizenship students at Our Lady’s in Skelmersdale. Amongst many intriguing questions, I was asked to name the women who inspired me most, and explain how I balanced family responsibilities with professional.

I ended the day by speaking at the Inspiring Women of West Lancashire event at Ormskirk High. I was proud to stand beside brilliant local women like Paula Gamester from local social enterprise the Sewing Rooms, and Cllrs Melissa Parlour and Nikki Hennessey.

West Lancashire is blessed with brilliant women. As their MP, I will always fight for them.