UK Parliament Week 2017

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. 

Find out more about UK Parliament Week by visiting the Parliament website or the @YourUKParl Twitter feed.

Westminster

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.

Theresa May's trousers

Today's Sunday papers are full of discussion about Theresa May's leather trousers, and the subsequent comments and fallout between ex Cabinet Minister Nicky Morgan and one of May's key advisors.

In my years as a blogger covering the fashion choices of our politicians, I have never known so many column inches dedicated to one single item of clothing. Even without the drama surrounding Morgan's comments, the khaki leather trousers from Amanda Wakeley would be a conversation starter. They're fashion forward, and to wear them, the individual needs to be bold, confident and unafraid of making a statement.

The Prime Minister is each of these things. And, as a leader only six months into the job, we are still fascinated to find out what makes her tick. Fashion is clearly one of her passions, and as our leader on the world stage, we are interested in what she is wearing and how she will champion British designers.

Wakeley has been one of May's 'go-to' designers for years. Many of her dresses, suits and accessories are from this British legend, but the trousers will likely be the piece we will always remember. (FYI, they are now sold out!)

As a fashion blogger, I'm interested in May's clothes and the choices behind what she picks. At a recent roundtable event, an individual asked me why I don't blog about male clothes. Honestly, changing from a navy to grey suit doesn't have that same level of interest- and it's not going to make the front pages. There is always going to be a level of fascination with what a female politician wears, and frankly, we'll never get away from this.

May loves fashion and what she chooses to wear is her business. Whether it's a jacket from Marks & Spencer or a dress from Amanda Wakeley, we'll always be interested in the Prime Minister's sartorial selection. This interest in fashion won't detract from the key task of how May and her Government will lead the country through Brexit and determining Britain's future.

24 Hours in London

I've spent a fair amount of time working in London this year. But aside from the early mornings and late nights, I've managed to explore parts of the city and visit attractions that I haven't got to before!

As part of the AccorHotels '24 Hours In Campaign' I'm sharing what I would visit and see over a day in London. You too can take part in the campaign and enter the competition to win a 9 day European break, with stops in Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin! Click here to find out more.

Here's how I would spend 24 Hours in London!

9am: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at my hotel base- I like to stay at the Doubletree Hilton Westminster. Great location, facilities and fantastic customer service.

10am: Set off for sightseeing! I'll take the short walk from the hotel to visit my old stomping ground, the Houses of Parliament. A tour of the Palace of Westminster is not to be missed -my favourite part is the Commons chamber.

12pm: After absorbing a tonne of history, refreshments are required! After a quick coffee pit stop, I'll head up Whitehall to visit the National Portrait Gallery. It has one of the best gift shops in London!

1.30pm: Time for lunch. I'll visit one of the many restaurants tucked off Piccadilly. Or, I'll pick up a healthy salad at Whole Foods.

2pm: Refueling done, I'll indulge in a little retail therapy on Regent Street. I'll visit my favourites- Russell & Bromley,  J.Crew and Uniqlo as well as checking out the new Tory Burch store!

5pm: I'll head back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation... and to check out the damage done on my credit card!

7pm: After getting ready, I'll jump in a cab and make my way to The Delaunay in Aldwych for a fantastic evening meal and a few cocktails at the Savoy!

10pm: Walking off calories consumed, I'll take in the sights of the London skyline and magical Westminster along the River Thames.

11pm: Back at the hotel, I'll catch a quick night cap in the Millbank Lounge before heading for some rest and an early wake up call!

Which is your favourite city and how would you spend 24 hours? Don't forget to take part in Accor Hotel's '24 Hours In Campaign' challenge! 

Learn about Parliament with FutureLearn

© UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor 

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.

72 hours in London

I've been working in London for the past three months in Parliament, so it was great to return to the city for a little non work adventure!

Friends from Australia were visiting the UK so along with my parents we met up with them and visited some of the quintessential London sights. Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum and Parliament (hello again!) were on the list, as well as a little retail therapy on Regent Street.

We also headed to the BBC and watched the live filming of the Six O Clock- a pretty cool experience! One of the highlights was the Fashioning the Reign exhibition at Buckingham Palace and the chance to see many of the Queen's clothes up close. Her wedding dress and coronation gown were spectacular and definitely the standouts of the exhibition.

Enjoy some of my photos from my trip- my video shot on my GoPro is to follow!

Memorials to great British composers and Prime Ministers at Westminster Abbey.

Back at Parliament!

Afternoon tea on the terrace at Buckingham Palace.

Swooning over the new arrivals at J.Crew

At the Beeb!

July through Instagram

My July through Instagram...

Her Majesty at Maison Assouline | Welsh treats | Standing by Hillary | New shoes from Russell & Bromley | Catching up with lovely friends | Night time walks at Penarth | Chinese fashion magazines | Summer treats from Clinique and Boots | Portcullis House views 

Follow me on Instagram!

What a time to be in Parliament!

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!

Politics. It's never a dull topic!

London through Instagram

If you're a follower of my Instagram feed, you'll know that I am currently working in London. It's an exciting project, combing my love of digital and politics into one- and something that has never been tried out before! I'll be sharing more details over the coming weeks, but for now, here are some of my photos from in and around the city!