A TORY MP has rejected claims that misogyny is an institutional part of a female politician’s job.
And Chloe Smith, who is standing down at the next election, urged women to enter politics.
The MP for Norwich North told GB News: “In my personal experience, misogyny has not been an issue I've had to struggle with. I'm very glad about that. Obviously, that's a good thing to be able to say, and I certainly hope it's true now and for all of the girls and young women who come after us.
“We want more great women to be able to come into politics, and indeed all sorts of other great people as well. We need that spectrum. The other thing I would point out is that actually half of the recent prime ministers have now been women. Have we finally reached the point where gender is no barter achievement? I certainly hope we have.”
In an interview with Gloria De Piero, Ms Smith who became an MP aged just 27 admitted she may have entered Parliament too young.
“I think on reflection, it was young. Hardly the youngest, of course - that's been thoroughly beaten since in terms of records, and indeed back in history as well with others in their early 20s. But the truth is you then have to rapidly get into a set of challenges, a set of responsibilities, a set of services.
“I think when I first got elected I gave myself that challenge that others have said before me, which is if you're good enough, you're old enough, and you should be here to be able to provide something of a role model to other young people, to encourage them to be involved in democracy as well.
Chloe Smith has called on more women to enter politics
Image: GB News
"But since that time, of course, I've spent 13-14 years doing the full range of roles in Parliament and in government, and I think it's fair to say I’ve grown my skills and made some serious contributions.”
Explaining why she was standing down she said: “'I've had two children while in Parliament and a round of breast cancer, so quite a busy few years, and I'm really pleased to have been able to make the range of contributions that I have all the way up to cabinet, as you say, and on the issues that I care most deeply about.
"I'm really lucky to have been able to make a contribution on the things I'm passionate about, and so actually then I think you have a moment for reflection, and it will be the right time for my family and for me to turn to fresh challenges after the next election.”
Revealing how she was doing following cancer treatment, she continued: “I am doing well. It’s extraordinary to me that you can go from having something really serious to being hale and hearty.
"I mean, that is amazing, so it's a big thank you, obviously, to all the NHS doctors and nurses that helped along the way.
Chloe Smith spoke to GB News' Gloria De Piero
Image: GB News
"There's sadness in there as well, because others are not so lucky, and in actual fact I’ve just lost an indirect family member to cancer as well.
"You know, we think about all those people who aren't so fortunate, and the answer to that is to make sure you check for signs. I think it's really helpful if we can repeat that at every opportunity.
"I took that view early on in my own diagnosis - that I've got a platform from which to speak, and that I can use that to encourage, in this case, women to check their breasts, but actually anybody to check for anything and to make sure you're on top of early signs.”