How the Tories failed stay-at-home mums

We know that Westminster politicians do not always listen to ordinary voters. But there are few issues on which our representatives are more impervious to entreaties from their electorate than childcare. Too many politicians look on children as the impish impediment to both parents being in paid employment, the obstacles to Mum and Dad paying into Treasury coffers through taxes and national insurance contributions. Parents look on children as their life’s work.

There is a particular cohort for whom this clash of priorities has been uniquely painful: parents who stay home to raise their own children. Conservative governments always talk of choice; but this government’s childcare policy robs these mothers (mostly) and fathers of their choice to bring up their children the way they see fit.

Their admirable campaigning group, Mothers at Home Matter, has dedicated 30 years to ensuring that government recognise their position. Anne Fennell, the group’s chair, routinely invites ministers and shadow ministers to attend her group’s events – only to be routinely turned down.