Tag Archives: twinterviews

Following on from the stunning success of the Carmichael Twinterview , I recently caught up with Jo Swinson for a bit of 140 character Q and A. Here is our chat, pretty much in full.

CL: First up: Have you recovered from your anaphylaxis incident? What should people know about how to help if someone has an attack?

JS: Yes thanks, all better! Talk to family/friends with allergies so you know their triggers to avoid, and if you have an EpiPen, carry it!

CL: Good. How are you enjoying being a minister?

JS: Loving it! To be able to deliver Lib Dem priorities like shared parental leave & extending flexible working is both exciting & rewarding

CL: What are you proudest of in your first 8 months?

JS: Introducing the legislation on shared parental leave is top of the list. Also extractives transparency so we know about govt payments from oil/gas industry.

CL: And many members will be interested to know about your work on pubs..

JS: We’ve launched a consultation on creating an Adjudicator.

CL: What will the Adjudicator do? How will that benefit landlords and customers?

JS: The idea is to ensure that the Code of Practice is adhered to so there is greater fairness: we’re keen to hear people’s views on this

CL: You’ve been talking to postmasters recently. What did you say to them?

JS: I enjoyed the postmaster conference. It’s tough in retail just now, including POs, but we’re investing & have strong plans for future.

CL: Post offices are safer now than they’ve been for a while, aren’t they?

JS: Yes, no closure programmes under this govt, £1.34billion investment instead! We do need to modernise the network & mutualise it too I hope.

CL: And you are tackling payday lenders, too..

JS: Yes – I recently announced tough action.  OFT clamping down & FCA gets stronger enforcement powers from April.

CL: How do you reckon Willie’s done in his first two years as leader? What should he do next?

JS: Brilliantly – #thankswillie! Continue taking the fight to Salmond & ensuring the Scottish Lib Dems punch well above our weight in Holyrood.

CL:  Are you heading up to Donside to help our candidate Christine Jardine in the by-election?

JS: Yes, I’ve been rejigging my diary so that I can make a couple of visits. Christine is a fantastic candidate!

CL: Tell us something we don’t know about her.

JS: She used to teach journalism at Strathclyde University and one of her students was my good friend & bridesmaid, Hilary.

CL: Small world! Why would she be a good MSP?

JS: She has a wealth of experience: as a broadcaster, writer, activist, and a mum. Just the kind of passionate, determined voice Donside needs.

CL: How’s the Campaign for Body Confidence going?

JS: From strength to strength! I’m continuing Lynne’s great govt work on this – with new workstreams on role of fathers & health visitors.

CL: That sounds really interesting. I  read something about airbrushing practices changing.

JS: Boots said that acceptability of airbrushing in adverts has changed and ASA changed guidance too in 2011.

CL: Any advice for aspiring women candidates who might be inspired to follow in your footsteps?

JS: Stand for election: you can help indviduals & your community, develop new skills & it can be good fun! Lots of help & advice available

CL: What are your hopes for the new Lib Dem Women organisation?

JS: Lib Dem Women will be a formidable force! I wish the new organisation the best of luck – we need a strong voice for women in the party.

CL: And, finally – Mr Carmichael told us his panda obsession helps to relieve stress. How do you relax?

JS: I find running relaxing and I love the way my mind wanders when out for a run. East Dunbartonshire has lots of gorgeous routes.

CL: Alistair also shared his favourite You Tube video. What’s yours?

JS:  I do love Isabel Fay’s take on internet trolls. Warning: contains examples of offensive posts.