Maria Miller MP Speaks To Women In Business

10 August 2006

Maria Miller, Conservative MP for Basingstoke, gave an inspirational talk on her first year as a Member of Parliament to the North Hampshire Women In Business Group (WIBG) at the July meeting, held at Audleys Wood Hotel in Basingstoke.

Just over a year ago, Maria Miller walked up the steps of Westminster, so proud to have been elected to represent the Basingstoke community. Her 10-year-old son, however, was not as enthralled with her elevated new position, showing more of an interest in the famous Houses of Parliament by exclaiming that it "was just like Hogwarts"!

Maria Miller is only the 277th ever female MP. A disappointing figure when compared to the 4,000 MPs who have walked the corridors of power:

"The balance of the male/female MP ratio needs to be addressed,"

Ms Miller explained,

"and it's important that we find ways to encourage more women to make politics their career choice."

Ms Miller receives around 50 letters every day from people in her constituency, which helps her to attain a bigger picture of the whole community, where she can use her influence to bring about positive changes She is also a great advocate of Basingstoke and will draw attention to the town in Parliament at every opportunity,

"We have a great business and lifestyle community in Basingstoke and its location is perfect. We just need to ensure we gradually encourage a solid infrastructure for further development, whilst always retaining its core structure."

Maria Miller believes she's found her true vocation in life. She has always been interested in politics but never dreamed she would be an MP. It was only with the encouragement of a close friend saying they needed people like her in Parliament that made her believe she could achieve her greatest goal.

Indeed, her portfolio is constantly expanding. Her recent achievement was the promotion to Shadow Education Minister, a subject close to her heart as she has three young children of her own.

Sue Brown, President of the Women In Business Group, said

"It is a pleasure to hear Ms Miller speak to the group and see the public, female face, of politics at work for Basingstoke."

In her first year, Maria Miller has experienced good times, bad times, fun times and even some embarrassing times. And she's enjoying every single minute of it.

Details of how to join Women In Business, their monthly events and other news and information can be found on the Women In Business (WIB) website: www.wibg.org.uk.

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