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Bristol24/7 Person of the Year 2024: Carla Denyer
2024 has been, in her own words, “quite intense” for Bristol24/7’s Person of the Year, Carla Denyer.
In the whirlwind of her busy schedule, getting hold of the MP for Bristol Central and co-leader of the Green Party proved a challenge.
But when we did speak to Denyer on the phone from Westminster, she turned on the charm.
is needed now More than ever
2024 has been the year when the former councillor for Clifton Down ward gained a national profile, especially during the televised leaders debates in the run-up to the general election.
In July, Denyer became one of four new Green MPs in the House of Commons and since then she has ensured that she and her colleagues become well-respected voices on the opposition benches.
“We joined the Greens because we were unsatisfied with the way the country is going and we didn’t see the older political parties as offering a solution to that,” Denyer told Bristol24/7.
“We’re going to be outspoken, we’re going to always want to see the government to the best it can for its citizens.
“And MPs from other parties – unfortunately because of how the other parties work – operate quite a strict whipping system.
“That means the MPs often aren’t allowed to speak out on issues.
“Even if they do personally care about them, they can be restricted in what they’re allowed to say publicly.”
The 39-year-old has been at the forefront of several parliamentary motions and amendments while asking important questions to ministers and pushing the Labour government towards being “bolder and braver” where needed.
Denyer admitted that her journey from City Hall to the House of Commons has been a “baptism of fire”.
“There are lots of things about the way parliament works that are very antiquated and counterproductive to a well-functioning democracy.
“So for example, it’s well known that the House of Commons chamber doesn’t have enough seats for all of the MPs to be in there at once.
“But what people maybe don’t know – I didn’t know until shortly before I was elected – is that shortage of seats isn’t just a comfort thing.
“If you’re not on one of the main sets of benches facing each other along the long sides of the room, then you’re not allowed to speak in the chamber. So you’re not allowed to take part in the debate.”
To make sure they get a seat, MPs like Denyer have to arrive several hours before the House of Commons is in session and slot a prayer card in the seat they wish to sit.
They can then move away for a few hours but need to make it in time for the prayers that happen before the session.
If they are not present for the prayers, their seat gets taken away.
“It wastes our time as MPs,” Denyer said.
“It means that we have to be in parliament several hours earlier than we would otherwise need to be in the morning.”
This extra time spent in parliament means Denyer can not spend time speaking to her Bristol Central constituents or attending important events and meetings that could have been scheduled at that time.
Carla Denyer says she feels “privileged” to be chosen by the people of Bristol as an MP – photo: Jon Craig
Denyer said 2024 may have been her “best year” but it has also been the “most stressful and tiring”.
According to Denyer, Bristol residents are extremely concerned about both national and international issues but there are still persistent local issues that need to be addressed: “It’s a lot of stuff to do with difficulty getting adequate housing, with issues of damp and mould, landlords not doing repairs, people who are facing homelessness, difficulty accessing the benefits that they’re entitled to and difficulties with immigration matters.”
She added: “Some constituents have been in touch to say that they want me to do more on a certain issue or they don’t agree with entirely. But those have been still very respectful, constructive and helpful messages…
“I’ve had so many constituents come up to me in the streets over the last few months and say things like, ‘Thank you for standing up for what I believe in’ or ‘Thank you for giving me hope’.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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