'It was privilege to be part of the unveiling of a Purple Plaque for former East Flintshire MP'

MS for Delyn

It was privilege to be part of the unveiling of a Purple Plaque at Flint Town Hall on Friday in recognition of the contribution of former East Flintshire MP, Eirene White to our communities and our country. A former journalist and pioneering politician, Eirene White was MP from 1950 until 1970 and was one of just a few women MPs from Wales at the time. Eirene paved the way for people like me and, whilst our paths never crossed, I grew up hearing warm recollections of a remarkable woman and I am very pleased to have nominated her for a Purple Plaque.

This is the tenth such plaque unveiled since the launch of the campaign and the first in our corner of the country. Purple Plaques was launched on International Women’s Day 2017 by a group of volunteers who felt the need for there to be greater recognition of the contribution women make to Welsh life. The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on women’s achievements by improving the recognition of remarkable women in Wales. Whilst many of us will be familiar with blue plaques commemorating notable figures in Wales, of the estimated 250 blue plaques only a handful are women – Purple Plaques seeks to address this and give women a more prominent place in history.

Flint Town Hall was chosen as the location for Eirene White’s Purple Plaque not just because it was in her former constituency but because one of the things she is remembered for is speaking from the balcony of the town hall. It was great to have Eirene White's nephew Ben Jones join us and speak alongside my colleague Jane Hutt MS. Thanks to everyone who attended, including Lord Barry Jones, Mark Tami MP and Jack Sargeant MS and to Cllr Michelle Perfect and Flint Town Council for everything they did to host and make it happen.

Before heading home for the unveiling, I was really pleased to have the opportunity to meet with pupils and staff from Ysgol Owen Jones in the Welsh Parliament last week. It was great to be able to tell them a little more about my role and the work of the Senedd whilst joining them in the viewing gallery overlooking the main Siambr. There were lots of enthusiastic, thoughtful and impressive questions, ranging from how do you become a politician, what is the best and worst thing to where do I sit. The young people really were a credit to their school and I look forward to having the chance to visit Ysgol Owen Jones once again along with other schools across the constituency now that circumstances allow.

Ysgol Owen Jones were taking part in one of the Senedd’s educational visits and programmes, which I am happy to see have returned post pandemic. The educational programme really is an excellent resource for learners and teachers and includes visits to local schools, to the Senedd and also online activity. Schools can find out more online at this address: www.senedd.wales/visit/education-and-youth-engagement/ or email contact@senedd.wales or call 0300 200 6565.

As someone who didn’t think being a politician or politics was for me growing up here in Flintshire, I’m always keen to reach out to meet with, listen to and advocate for our children and young people and to – hopefully – enable more of them to not just have a say and stake in what is happening but feel they can make a difference too. If your school or your child’s school would like me to come and visit please do get in touch with my office below.

If you have any questions about my work as your Member of the Senedd or would like to ask for advice and support, please get in touch with me on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.