2 min read17 minutes

Ghani says she was inspired to run for the role by the late Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons. But being sanctioned by China and Russia – for condemning both states’ human rights abuses – showed her that every MP should be able to do their job “without fear or favour”. Ensuring this, she says, would be her top priority if elected.

“When I was sanctioned by both China and Russia, there was a moment of fear,” she says The House“But I knew I just had to double down and continue the work I was doing. I hope I can provide that level of support to MPs so they don’t feel like they have to do business in a different way because they’re scared or intimidated.”

Ghani has been the subject of repeated hacking attempts by foreign states. Just before the election, she was hacked again by Russia.

“It will be a priority for me to make sure that we can improve all of these wraparound services so that when we are attacked, firstly, it is prevented – intelligence agencies prevent hackers from getting through. And secondly, if we are made vulnerable in any way, it is fixed fairly quickly.”

While Ghani doesn’t want to rush into specific plans for the role, she says that if elected, her time as vice president will be all about the president, not the person occupying the chair.

“I base my experience, I base my principles and I base my honesty,” she says. “All three vice-presidents have to work together collectively to support the Speaker. And fundamentally it’s about the House, not the individual.”

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