Reform’s Sarah Pochin has revealed how her two sons have begged her to quit politics because they fear for her safety.
In an exclusive GB News interview, Ms Pochin also detailed how she and all her fellow Reform MPs have had round-the-clock protection since the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Speaking to Gloria De Piero in an interview which will be broadcast on the People’s Channel this Sunday, she said: “I am so grateful they are looking after us, but the impact on your family life is severe.
“I have two boys, 25 and 27, and of course, although they’ve got their own lives now, when I go and see them, security comes, and it upsets them so much.
“They’re like, mum: ‘Please stop what you’re doing. Please stop, [because] it can never be worth risking your life’. And they’ve been quite traumatised about it.
“My poor husband, we went into recess, and we had a week in North Wales and were walking the dogs along a coastal path.
“Two security guards were with me, one scouting the area and one literally with us at all times; my husband was nervously holding my hand.
“I’m so grateful for the security, but it is very, very intrusive. I can’t go clothes shopping anymore. I can’t go makeup shopping. I can’t. I can’t really even go to Sainsbury’s; such is the risk to us now. But I will never be silenced.”
Sarah Pochin has revealed how her two sons have begged her to quit politics because they fear for her safety
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GB NEWS
Ms Pochin’s comments formed part of a wide-ranging interview. In it she also blasted life inside Westminster and described it as the most chauvinistic place she has ever worked.
She said: “I have never, ever come across chauvinism as I have in Westminster. It has taken me by such surprise. I have had men drop doors in my face.
“The only way we can overcome that is to have strong female voices. And I would say to women, join me. Join me, Suella, and all the women in parliament. Because the only way we will stop this is to be strong and be a presence there.”
Ms Pochin also opened up about the moving moment in July when she spoke in the House of Commons about her mother being pressured into giving her brother up as a baby for adoption.
The Reform MP now receives round-the-clock security following the death of Ann Widdecombe
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GB NEWS
She said: “I was so surprised by my own reaction. I thought I would go and speak on this subject because it was personal and I wanted to make a point.
“The point I was trying to make was that appealing to the government to make sure that people who want to find out they’ve got a long-lost sibling don’t have to pay if they don’t have the means.
“I tried everything, and in the end, I paid a company to find my half-brother. But some people couldn’t do that, and they may never be reunited. So the point I was hoping to make to Keir Starmer was, please make sure the funding is available to make that happen for people.
“That day, the emotion just got hold of me. And I think my mum was there with me in the chamber, and I bitterly regret not knowing about this before my mum passed away.
“I was only told after she passed away, and in fact, after my father passed away, because I don’t think he ever knew. I think my mum kept it from my dad, and that’s why no one told me.”
She added: “I so regret not being able to put my arms around my mum and give her a hug because I’m a mum. I’ve had two boys.
“I always remember there’s a picture in my kitchen of my mum sitting at one of those little toddler tables and chairs, looking at my firstborn son.
“He was only about 18 months old. And she had such a wistful look on her face. And I’ve often looked at that picture, and I thought, what were you thinking about, mum? I think she was thinking about the little boy that was taken from her.
“I actually managed to trace the church. I rang them and spoke to the vicar there. They had no records, of course, and I drew a blank.
“But I just can’t imagine what it must have been like giving away a child. She took the secret to her grave. I wish she’d told me. I’d love to have talked to her about it.
“I have since met up with my half-brother, and it’s been great, although so odd. But when we did finally meet, we met at a neutral place, a pub, and he walked in. I recognised him straight away because he just looks like my mum.
“So it was a happy ending, and I have to say, Keir Starmer was so sensitive and so lovely, and he spoke to me afterwards privately, and he was lovely.”