Thangam started out as a professional cellist but for the last 25 years her main focus has been working locally, nationally and internationally to end domestic violence. She moved to Bristol to be Women’s Aid’s first ever National Children’s Officer, setting up support projects in refuges across the UK for children. Since then she has helped to increase the quality and quantity of domestic violence interventions helping women, men and children; victims, perpetrators and witnesses. She has also served her local community as a school governor, trustee of a local domestic violence charity and board member for the University of Bristol Students' Union. She’s an active and involved auntie to much-loved nephews and nieces in Bristol and beyond. She continues to play the cello as a happy amateur.
One to One Questions
1. What is your current position?
In May 2015 I became the Member of Parliament for the Bristol West constituency.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I was Women’s Aid’s first ever National Children’s Officer; I developed resources about domestic violence in relationships, now used widely in schools; and I felt enormously proud when making my maiden speech in parliament recently.
3. What inspires you?
My wonderful grandmother organised a coach every year to the trade union celebrations at Tolpuddle. As a child the lure of a trip to the seaside afterwards was just as powerful!
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Everyone faces difficulties at times. But I feel very fortunate to have had a varied career so far – whether as a cellist; or working to combat domestic violence; or now as an MP.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The Labour Women’s Network over recent years has given me support, confidence, new friends and a realistic idea of what life is like for an MP.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
As an MP I get to meet lots of new people – many fantastic individuals working to make their communities a better place. I want to do all I can to support them.
7. And the worst?
Right now it’s the frustration of not being able to work at full steam, as I’m receiving treatment for breast cancer. But I hope to make a full recovery.
8. What are your long-term goals?
A Labour government in 2020. As I watch my young nieces and nephews growing up, I want to make sure good education, housing and jobs are available to ALL young people.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would not rest until I had eliminated child poverty. It’s a scandal in the 21st century that this is now a growing problem.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I’ve always been intrigued by the statue of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Bristol. I’d love to ask him about his work in India – maybe with the option of a raft to help him escape afterwards!
