Make Me Prime Minister - interview with Verity
Category: Press Pack ArticleVERITY
Age: 22
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Restaurant Supervisor
Political leanings - "I do identify with a certain political party, but I was brought up with the fact that your political view is your own. My political views don't define who I am."
Big Idea – To “Set The Bar” to ensure politics is about the people and ensuring that Parliament has an equal percentage of all different communities within the UK
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Adventurous, spontaneous and independent.
Why are you interested in politics?
I think it comes from the lack of females in politics. As a strong, independent woman, I think we should have more women in politics.
How would you describe your political leanings? Do you identify with a particular party?
I do identify with a certain political party, but I was brought up with the fact that your political view is your own, it’s like religion, it doesn’t have to be spoken about. My political views don’t define who I am. I help the homeless and I give to charity, and I accept and love everyone. I think the world should be a lot more forgiving and a lot more open. But I think today’s politics is just based on old, straight, white men with the utmost privilege, who don’t necessarily use their power in the right way.
Who is your political hero?
Emmeline Pankhurst. Without her, women wouldn’t have the lives that they have. And Theresa May isn’t necessarily a hero, but as a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic, I find the fact that she succeeded ands got right to the top is an inspiration, because she’s a type 1 diabetic as well.
Do you think your diagnosis has shaped your political opinions at all?
No, I don’t think so. I was only diagnosed in 2020, so I went through a life-changing diagnosis without anyone. It made me realise that life is short, and we don’t have enough diversity in parliament. It made me want to fight for it a bit more.
Who is your political villain?
I wouldn’t say that I dislike anybody. But I don’t like some people’s ways of doing things. In politics, you have yourself, and then you have your party. There’s always two sides to every person and every argument. I could dislike the Conservatives and I could dislike Labour at the same time, for things they’ve done, from Partygate to the Post office scandal. They’ve both made mistakes. I don’t necessarily dislike anyone; I think everyone’s got their own personality.
What would your strengths be in the role of Prime Minister?
I think I’m very compassionate, but I’m also very determined and strong-minded. I’m very black-and white – it’s very simple, this is how things are going to go: We need more diversity, let’s get women into parliament, let’s get young people involved in politics. I think, being a model, and being in that industry, where social media is such a huge part of my career, and I know how to use it and make it work.
What about your weaknesses?
I would probably say that I’m too determined and too opinionated. I’m the type of person that, if someone says, “The fence is broken, can you get someone to fix it?” I’ll go out of my way to prove that I can fix it myself, and I don’t need to do that. If a man says I can’t do something, whatever it is, I’ll go out of my way to do it.
If you were PM what is the first law you would pass?
I think probably I’d bring in a quota, that by 2025, every senior department in every industry would have a certain ratio of men, women, non-binary, transgender, LGBTQ, someone with a hidden disability, just to show that someone who, for example, has diabetes, is just as capable of getting a position in power without having questions asked.
According to Theresa May, the naughtiest thing she ever did was run through a field of wheat. What is the naughtiest thing you have ever done?
Oooh! I don’t know if it would be naughty, but I’ve walked naked on a catwalk covered in paint for an artist. I used to live with my parents, and I was such a goody-two-shoes!
What specific aspects of the show are you looking forward to, and what are you nervous about?
I’m really nervous about the debates, but I’m also really looking forward to them. I’m just excited about the whole show in general. I want it to show that women are exactly the same and equal to men. I want it to be known that men have no right to talk about a woman’s body or make a law over it. That’s the sort of discussion I’m really excited about.
If the chance arose in real life, would you consider standing for parliament?
Yeah, I think I would – especially as a young woman. I think it would bring a different set of eyes into parliament. I want to change the world, but not in a power-hungry way.
How do you feel about working with Sayeeda Warsi and Alastair Campbell?
I’m really excited. Obviously they both have very different political views, but I’m really excited to learn from Sayeeda what it’s like being a female in parliament, how she stood her ground.
As you are about to embark on this experience, how are you feeling?
I am a very laid back person. My favourite sayings are “I’m here for a good time, not a long time” and “I’m too blessed to be stressed”. I’m really excited, I think it’s going to be a good show. I don’t really have any doubts about it, I’m just really excited to see where it goes.
ENDS