**Losing Mum and Political Legacy: Coffey Reflects on a Traumatic July**
Baroness Therese Coffey recently opened up about the dual trauma she experienced in July: the loss of her seat in Parliament and the impending death of her mother. This profound and poignant moment in her life has framed her journey and outlook as she transitions from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.
Coffey, who had represented the Suffolk Coastal constituency since 2010 under the Conservative Party, faced a devastating defeat in the 2024 general election. Her seat was taken by Labour’s Jenny Riddell-Carpenter amid a severe loss of power for her party, which intensified the personal impact of her electoral defeat. The timing was particularly cruel; only hours after losing her seat, Coffey received the heartbreaking news that her mother had just one month left to live.
Despite the turmoil, Coffey described her subsequent decision to take a step back to process the events as an important one. After some time away from the political spotlights, she expressed readiness to engage her “political antennae” in her new role as a life peer in the House of Lords. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch nominated Coffey for her life peerage at the end of the previous year, a move that Coffey embraced as she assumed her seat in the Lords in January.
Coffey shared that her strong ties to Suffolk led many to wonder why she chose to remain in the region after such significant losses. She explained how her mother’s health deteriorated during the election campaign, leading to daily visits to the hospital. When she lost her Commons seat, the diagnosis of her mother’s illness came swiftly and tragically. Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Coffey articulated the privilege of being able to spend her mother’s final weeks by her side — a privilege that was only possible due to no longer being tied to the demands of her former role as an MP.
Transitioning to the House of Lords has brought its challenges for Coffey. She revealed that a significant portion of her time is now dedicated to scrutinizing legislation, a shift from the more direct political engagement in the Commons. Despite these adjustments, Coffey intends to address “unfinished business” from her tenure as an MP. With plans to table a significant amendment to the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, she aims to influence policies that matter to her constituents.
Specifically, Coffey is motivated by incidents of community asset loss in Suffolk, where facilities like the sports hall and Angel Theatre in Rendlesham were demolished. Her plans indicate a draw from her experiences, both in Suffolk and from her time as a minister, to enact meaningful changes, lending an element of “peer pressure” to advocate for the preservation of such vital community assets.
Coffey also candidly addressed her time in government, during which she held numerous significant roles, including a controversial stint as Deputy Prime Minister under Liz Truss. Her tenure was marked by constant pressure, which ultimately took a toll on her health, leading to a serious brain infection.
In late 2023, Coffey stepped back from the front bench, making the decision to resign amidst her health struggles and the relentless demands of her roles in different government capacities. Nonetheless, she remains committed to her work in Parliament, where she can leverage her experience to advocate for the people she once served directly through her MP role.
Amid these discussions, Coffey’s personal experiences have also shaped her public persona. She humorously attributed her decision to wear scarves to avoid repeating an incident featuring a photograph that garnered criticism when she was depicted enjoying herself at a party. This anecdote underscores how public perception can impact a politician’s life, illustrating both the challenges and absurdities faced by those in public office.
As Coffey navigates this new chapter, her reflections reveal a profound blend of personal grief and professional determination. Through her new position in the House of Lords, she hopes to continue serving her community and championing causes that resonate deeply with her experiences, while also processing the personal losses that have undoubtedly influenced her journey.