Our Parliament is known as the 'Mother of all Parliaments,' and with its origins dating back to 1016, it is certainly one of the most historic parts of London.
I've been fortunate to work in Parliament and have experienced the hallowed halls and glorious architecture in all their splendour. You are conscious that you are walking in the footsteps of history whilst playing a part in shaping the future. You'll spot a familiar face (or two) whilst getting a coffee, and form your opinions whilst listening to debates in the chamber. You'll understand how hard parliamentary staffers work and the roles of the thousands of staff who help to keep the parliamentary estate ticking over. You'll realise the tremendous job the police and security staff do in keeping us safe- and their role in ensuring democracy is accessible for us all. And importantly, you'll realise how lucky we are to have a Parliament that is steeped in history and is open for us to experience.
Working to improve the digital literacy and imagination of MPs last year was a fantastic experience, and one which demonstrated positive change in a short space of time. For me, the project has given birth to other amazing opportunities, and I am now fortunate to be continuing that work with politicians both in Westminster and in Wales.
UK Parliament Week is a great initiative to raise awareness of the work of Parliament and our elected representatives. Learning about the democratic system and voting were some of my favourite PSE lessons in school, and I only wish I had had the opportunity to learn more and even visit Parliament as part of a school trip. These experiences are now available for students across the UK and if you're in high school and reading this - hassle your teacher to take your class to Westminster!
Whilst much has been made (and continues to be made) of the reputation of Parliament in the press, it is my firm belief that we be much less richer without our great democracy and the Palace that sits on the River Thames.
The Prime Minister started her week back in Wales, with a visit to Swansea to sign the City Deal for the Swansea Bay Region at the Liberty Stadium. May met with the First Minister and business leaders (including one of my friends!) at the event.
For the signing, the PM wore a brown tweed jacket, black trousers, an oversized pearl bead necklace and the leopard Cocktail loafers from Russell & Bromley.
On her return to London, Theresa May hosted a reception for guests from schools, universities and for leading figures in education. The Prime Minister thanked attendees for the vital work they are doing to encourage social mobility and provide a good education for every child.
On Wednesday, Theresa May attended the weekly Prime Minister Question session. She wore her tweed jacket from DvF, navy skirt, Daniel Blake coat and the Vivacious pumps from Russell & Bromley.
The Prime Minister's second appearance of the day was sadly in response to the awful terrorist attack at the Houses of Parliament. Her statement can be watched below:
On Thursday, the Prime Minister addressed Parliament and wore an appropriately somber black and white outfit. She accessorised with the familiar Amanda Wakeley silver chain necklace.
This week has been a particularly tough one, and for many of us, one which we won't forget. It's a privilege that my work takes me to Westminster, and working in the world's oldest Parliament last year was a wonderful experience.
Parliament has brought me life-long friends, broadened my knowledge and enabled me to combine my love of digital and public service. I was in Westminster on Wednesday, and thankful that my work in Parliament concluded just before the awful attack. Caught up in the aftermath of the attack, people from all backgrounds and professions worked to help each other and provide some sense of reassurance.
I won't forget the somber faces of those walking towards me, evacuated from government buildings and their offices in Whitehall. I also won't forget the hush that descended in Westminster's back streets, the eerie quiet filling the area. We won't forget those who died in the awful attack, and the bravery of our police, security services, parliamentary members, staffers and members of the public.
It is inevitable that things will change because of the events in Westminster, but as the Prime Minister said, we will all move forward together. Never giving in to terror. And never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart.
2016. Where should I begin? In between Brexit, Trump and a steady stream of celebrity passings, 2016 has, in many ways, has seemed rather unreal. Who could have predicted this time last year that we would be on the cusp of immense political and social change?
For me, 2016 has been a year of great personal and professional change. I am now working as a consultant full time, and this level of freedom has given me the opportunity to explore new work streams and travel the world. The loss of family members and friends against the many highs has been poignant, but it has focused the mind and put many things into perspective.
So without further ado, here was my 2016!
I started the year with the news that I was one of Wales Online's 16 in 16 entrepreneurs to watch! A nice way to begin January.
During February and March, I began to shift my energy to consulting full time.
In April, I packed my bags and headed off to Australia and New Zealand for a month. Staying with friends in Sydney, I explored one of my favourite cities, met up with long-last family members, saw the awesome Lego exhibition at the Powerhouse, finally saw the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries costumes (fangirl,) and travelled to Canberra to visit the Australian Parliament and National War Memorial. In New Zealand, I went back to Christchurch to see friends and see how much the great city has changed since the dreadful earthquakes.
In May, I was back to London to start work on a pilot digital project with Parliament and doteveryone. This was a fascinating experience, and working with MPs, I investigated how they use digital technology and social media to communicate with their constituents, tackle their workload and generally encourage digital democracy and political engagement. The three month project overlapped with the historic vote to leave the European Union, and to be in the UK Parliament at an immense time of political change was something which we couldn't have predicted. I stood in Old Palace Yard as David Cameron left Parliament as Prime Minister, and watched from the Speaker's Gallery as Theresa May took part in her first Prime Minister's Questions. I visited the HQs of Facebook and Twitter, and attended the American Ambassador's 4th July party at Winfield House. So many great moments and experiences that I won't forget and so many great friendships formed.
Downing Street just after David Cameron had resigned
Ambassador and Mrs Barzun
During the summer I fit in my first trip to Dublin - such a great city! I also spent time rediscovering London and indulging in some quintessential sites including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. I was also asked to be a godmother to my friend's little girl Emily! Such a privilege and responsibility!
The Liffey!
As we entered the autumn, I received a nomination in the Entrepreneur Wales Awards and headed back over the Atlantic to New York. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting Tory Burch HQ and returning to the World Trade Center Museum and Memorial were some of the highlights of the trip. I also won't forget the mood of anticipation by many that America was on the cusp of making history with the possibility of electing its first female President. How the mood had changed merely a week later.
One of the successes of 2016 has been writing about our new Prime Minister, Theresa May for Political Style. The interest in coverage has been fantastic, and personally, it has been great fun to keep tabs on what she is wearing and create fun content! It has also been amazing to be recognised in the press for my blogging - something which I couldn't achieve without the support of my fabulous readers. Thank you!
Crown Copyright
The end of a year is always a reflective one, and as we head towards 2017, I feel truly blessed and privileged to have had such an extraordinary year. 2016 has taught me to grab all opportunities that come my way, trust my gut, and importantly to try. If you say no you'll never know!
Here's to a successful, positive and prosperous 2017 for us all. Make it yours!
The Westminster model of parliamentary democracy has been adopted by many countries across the world, and the UK Parliament has been described as the Mother of Parliaments. It's a tricky institution to master, with many rules, regulations and centuries old conventions that MPs and their staffers must respect. Even for the British public, Parliament has rules- particularly when you visit!
FutureLearn, the social learning platform, is partnering with the Houses of Parliament to run its first course: “Introduction to the UK Parliament: People, processes and public participation."
The course is designed to increase public engagement and the nation's understanding of the work and role of the Parliament. The course will cover:
the difference between Parliament and Government
the role, and the changing nature of Parliamentary debates, including new digital debates
the steps and processes involved in making and changing legislation
the role of committees
how citizens can engage with Parliament
The course will begin on November 14th to coincide with UK Parliament Week, a programme of events and activities that connects people across the UK with Parliament and democracy.
For more information on the course and to be a Parliamentary expert visit FutureLearn to find out more.
The imposing Portcullis House, home to many offices of Parliament's MPs.
If you've been following my adventures on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, you'll know that I've been working in Parliament for the past several months.
The seismic change in UK politics has been pretty much all what the whole country and world has been talking about. The referendum vote to leave the European Union resulted in a new Prime Minister and a new government, as well as drama for many of the UK's political parties.
I'm a full blown politico, and to be at the heart of the action has been an experience I am unlikely to forget. From meeting Ministers and our new Prime Minister, the Palace of Westminster certainly has been a money can't buy time!
Last week I saw David Cameron leave the Palace of Westminster for the final time as Prime Minister - it was a case of being in the right place at the right time! Check out my video below of this historic moment.
Political turmoil isn't exclusive to the UK. Our Australian friends have just had their federal election, and sixteen days after polling day, some seats are finally being declared. I've penned my thoughts on this time of tumultuous political change in my latest Medium post, and I'd love to hear what you think!