Meet the Backbencher

Deborah Russell

Former academic, specialising in tax and philosophy Married to academic Malcolm Wright, three daughters, one at university and twins who have just finished Year 12 Labour MP for New Lynn, first elected 2017. Chairwoman of the environment select committee Born in Whangamomona, 1966

What issue would you like to see passed in a private member’s bill?

I’ve got my bill in the ballot and it is about disclosure for companies so that small creditors get to know what companies’ payment behaviour is so if you are a small business, you know you are going to get paid on time.

You’ve got a background in finance haven’t you?

I started out as an accountant long, long ago and I segued into philosophy, then I went back to taxation. I’ve done a lot of things.

What were your political influences, if any in your upbringing?

My family was pretty non-political, didn’t really engage much. Mum and dad always voted but probably the social justice teachings through the Catholic Church. I’m not a churchgoer any more but those social justice teachings have stuck with me.

What’s your view on the personal use of cannabis and have you ever smoked it?

I think I’ve smoked dope about five times in my life, in my 20s, not since. I’m not too concerned about the personal use of it but I do worry about it for people under 25 because of the effect on brain development.

What’s the most pressing international issue at present?

I’d have to say the discord being produced by US President Donald Trump who I think is throwing the old relationships into disorder and that worries me because out of disorder you can get conflict.

Brexit — good, bad or don’t care?

Bad. Look I was in the UK earlier this year on an environment committee trip and at that time the public servants were like possums caught in the headlights. It was coming at them and they didn’t know what was going to happen and so Brexit is going to be a disaster for the British economy.

If you could take an Opposition MP to dinner, who would it be, where would you take them and what would you want to talk about?

It would be Ian McKelvie. I ran against him in Rangitikei back in 2014 and he is a real gentleman. I’d go to the Taumarunui “Cossie” Club and sit down and have a really good yarn about what he sees as the issues still in that electorate. He’s a great guy.

Fun fact?

My secret vice is KFC. I always feel a bit embarrassed. So I’ve got my car all marked up with my face all over it but I never like taking it into a KFC in case people say, “Look at her — she’s eating KFC”.