What I learned from my first few weeks as a Green MP? Most politicians have no clue how tough things are out there | Hannah Spencer

With this escalating cost of living crisis, so many are really suffering – yet Labour lacks the imagination, boldness and will to do anything about it

Six weeks ago, I was doing what I’ve always done – working as a plumber in people’s houses. I’d just completed a plastering qualification and was looking forward to putting it to good use. Now, I’m here in parliament, and to call it a culture shock would be an understatement.

It’s easy to see why a lot of MPs don’t understand how hard things in the country are right now. This place is a bubble. And there just aren’t enough of us here who get it; who come from working-class backgrounds, who’ve had ordinary jobs like me.

Hannah Spencer is the Green party MP for Gorton and Denton