Bath MP Wera Hobhouse on art, education and the power of kindness

Wera Hobhouse MP talks creativity, community and finding balance

What makes Bath so special at Christmas, and what keeps its communities strong all year round? In a warm and thoughtful conversation with Radio Bath, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse reflects on life, creativity, politics and the importance of being kind to ourselves and each other.

In this personal chat with Toni Green of Radio Bath, Wera shares her love for Bath during the festive season, describing the magic of the city when it comes alive with the arts and community spirit. She also opens up about the joy of becoming a grandparent and how it has given her a new respect for working parents and the daily juggle so many families manage.

Creativity at the heart of Bath

As someone with a creative background, Wera speaks passionately about Bath’s rich creative life, from choirs and amateur dramatics to the many artists and performers who make the city what it is. She explains why creativity is not just about culture but about connection, helping people feel part of something and supporting mental health and wellbeing.

Wera also talks about how she champions the creative sector in Parliament, making the case for why the arts and community activities matter, especially in a city like Bath.

Education, neurodiversity and the next generation

A key theme of the interview is education and how we support young people to thrive. Wera discusses the need for schools to recognise different ways of learning, particularly for neurodiverse children. She highlights that many neurodiverse people are among the most creative and innovative thinkers, and that education should be engaging, supportive and fun.

She also reflects on the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and giving young people the confidence to explore who they are and what they can contribute.

Life as a woman in politics

Wera was also asked about her experiences as a woman in politics and how things have changed over the years. She spoke about starting out in local politics, describing it as a powerful training ground where you can see the direct impact of your work on people’s lives. Those roots, she says, are something she will never forget.

While acknowledging that politics can be brutal at times, Wera shared how she protects her own wellbeing by focusing on real conversations with constituents rather than online negativity. We are all human, she says, and it is okay to make mistakes, learn, and change your mind when new information comes along.

Kindness, rest and making space to recharge

The interview closes on a reflective note, with Wera talking about New Year’s resolutions, exercise and the realities of finding time in a busy life. Her message is a simple and powerful one. Be kind to others, be kinder to yourself, and make room for rest and sleep, especially if you are a creative person who gives a lot of themselves.

🎧 Listen now to hear Wera Hobhouse MP in her own words, sharing stories, insights and gentle wisdom about Bath, politics and living well.

Listen to the conversation in full here