Wera Hobhouse has been Liberal Democrat MP for Bath since 2017. Born in Hannover, she moved to the UK in 1990 and, prior to her election, worked as a teacher, radio journalist and artist. Originally a member of the Conservative Party, she was elected to Rochdale Council in 2004 but fell out with the Conservative Group and, along with her husband – also a Conservative councillor, joined the Liberal Democrats in 2005. She remained a councillor until she stood down in 2014, serving as cabinet member for the environment when the Lib Dems took control of the council. In parliament Hobhouse has spoken on Justice, Women and Equalities and is currently the party’s shadow Leader of the House of Commons and spokesperson for Transport, Energy and Climate Change.