Julie Minns showed support for a fellow city-born MP in the House of Commons last week as members elected deputy speakers. 

MPs were allowed to vote freely on their choice of deputy speaker without having to support their own party, as such, Ms Minns cast her vote for Helen Grant, Conservative MP for Maidstone and Malling.

Ms Grant, who was raised in Carlisle, was unsuccessful in her bid to become one of the three deputies who stand in to chair debates when the speaker is not available.

Julie said: “I was delighted to support Helen for deputy speaker. We may be in different political parties but the fact that we both grew up in Carlisle and know the city so well means we have a lot in common.

“It’s a shame Helen wasn’t successful in getting elected because Helen is really keen to make Parliament more family friendly, for example by expanding the creche to provide childcare flexibility. I very much approve of that.”

Ms Grant grew up in Raffles, attended St Aidan's School, and later Trinity - which Ms Minns also attended. 

She qualified as a solicitor with Carlisle firm Cartmell, Mawson & Main, now known as Cartmell Shepherd, before building her career in London. 

Both women have made a mark on politics with notable firsts. 

Ms Grant was the first black woman of mixed heritage to be elected as a Conservative MP in 2010 whilst Julie is the first woman to represent the city in Westminster. 

Helen added: “It's great to be one of two MPs from Carlisle. I have so many happy memories of growing up in north Cumbria and I stay in close touch with family and friends, returning to visit as often as I can.

“I’m hoping at some point that Julie and I can find time for a joint visit to our former secondary school, Trinity. Perhaps we might inspire the next generation of budding politicians to follow in our footsteps.”

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