Laura Farris

Laura Farris grew up in Newbury where her father was a Conservative MP. She studied PPE at Oxford and went on to work for Reuters, BBC News, and then for Senator Hillary Clinton. She returned to the UK and was called to the Bar in 2007, going on to specialise in employment and equality law. Her candidacy was endorsed by senior WEP member Harini Iyengar who described Farris as someone “who would enrich our parliament”. Farris has described herself as a one nation Conservative. She voted to remain in the 2016 referendum, but has since pledged unequivocally to honour the referendum result. Farris is co-chair of the women and work APPG as well as, since November 2020, being the co-chair of the Western rail link between Reading and Heathrow APPG. She has been on APPGs for the United Nations women, legal and constitutional affairs, ethics and sustainability in fashion, environment and chalk streams. In 2020, she was appointed to the Home Affairs Committee. Farris’ specific interests include advocating for the environment, education and improving mental health services.