Mother of the House ... MP brings her baby into the Commons
HE is not old enough to walk, let alone vote. But little Gabriel Hames created parliamentary history yesterday by attending a Commons debate.
He was cradled on the famous green benches by his mother, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Jo Swinson, 38. It is thought to be the first time a baby has been in the chamber during a debate.
Gabriel, born 11 weeks ago, is former minister Miss Swinson’s second child with her husband, ex-MP Duncan Hames.
Miss Swinson appeared in the chamber with Gabriel to listen to the closing remarks of a discussion about proxy voting, which could allow MPs on maternity and paternity leave to nominate a colleague to cast their vote in their absence.
In July, Tory chairman Brandon Lewis broke a pairing agreement – under which he had agreed to miss a vote that rival Miss Swinson could not attend – and voted on key Brexit legislation.
Labour’s Harriet Harman, who as the longest-serving female MP is referred to as the Mother of the House, stroked Gabriel’s head as she sat next to Miss Swinson in the sparsely-filled chamber. Speaker John Bercow shared a word with mother and child as they left. Gabriel appeared to sleep for much of the time – definitely not the first time there has been snoozing on the green benches.