Politician Mags Lewis: why I advocate for disabled people

Passionate politician Mags Lewis lives with MS and feels that society is missing out by not including disabled people.

I’m the Green Party spokesperson for disability, which I’m really honoured to be, as it’s so important for disabled people to be front and centre of politics. 

I was diagnosed over 20 years ago when I was only 24, although I experienced my first symptoms at 15. As you can imagine, this was a huge shock to me and my family. 

I was told by the clinicians, “Go away and forget about it.”

This of course was impossible. There was this sense that it was something to be hidden so that it didn’t hurt my career or horrify people.

I’m pleased that things are a bit different now. 

After having my children in my mid-thirties, my condition progressed. I found juggling a demanding NHS job, MS and twins just too difficult. The fatigue!

I was lucky enough to be supported by my employers and the fantastic occupational health service. So, I retired at the grand old age of 39.

I’d always been interested in politics and studied it at university. Gradually, I got more interested in the climate crisis since having kids.

I just couldn’t understand why politicians were doing so little in the face of the climate emergency, so I joined the Green Party.

It’s an incredibly interesting job, and whilst it’s scary speaking publicly, I enjoy it too!

For many years, I think I avoided mentioning I had MS, in case people thought I was too ill to stand for election. Many people still think pity when they think of disabilities.

In the past few years though, I’ve met some inspirational disabled people, especially through my work. 

Working in politics with MS means I have to be extremely organised and know when to say no! 

I can’t do too many evening meetings, because my MS symptoms can flare up if I don’t take care of myself. I can’t campaign like others do with door knocking and delivering leaflets. But I try to be as active and visible as possible, even if it is on Zoom.

With 20% of the population identifying as disabled, but only 3% of MPs, we need political representation and power. The government need to reinstate and extend the ‘Access to Political Office’ scheme, as it’s immoral for disabled people running for office to cover their own accessibility costs.

Secondly, the government needs to introduce job shares for MPs and councillors, and third allow hybrid working in government.

Mags Lewis' priorities

As a politician with a disability, I think it’s vitally important to be visible. Even being there makes a difference.

My priorities for disabled people include using cycles as mobility aids. I can’t walk very much now, but I can cycle, and it has I can safely say opened up the world to me.

In terms of the climate emergency, I think there are times when parties forget about disabled people. Making cities car free zones can have massive unintentional consequences for disabled people. 

I know London, the ULEZ zone only exempted certain people with a blue badge, not all of us. The process was bureaucratic, onerous, and humiliating.

It was only through political activists and campaigners like Dr Kush Kanodia and support from parties,  that this has been reversed, and now all blue badge holders can apply for an exemption.

Politically, support and benefits for people with conditions like MS, are vitally important, as we are far more likely to live in poverty or rely on support. 

The energy crisis impacts on us so much more, as we have vital equipment, and often due to our condition, need warmer houses. Issue like this are often forgotten about by politicians.

I will fight to give us all more visibility, to be seen and involved with political decision making at every level.

Disabled people have so much to offer and contribute and I’ll make the case daily until we’re heard!