The Royal Photographic Society’s (RPS) Women in Photography (WIP) group has launched The 40% Project, a nationwide portrait series pairing women MPs with women photographers to visually honour this historic milestone.
To date, 254 of the 264 women MPs have already been paired with photographers, with portraits now taking place across the country.
The project began with RPS WIP members and has since expanded to include emerging female photographers from universities, colleges and women-led organisations.
One of the portraits was created by photographer Michelle Webster, who worked with Samantha Dixon, who is MP for Chester North & Neston Constituency.
Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North & Neston Constituency, photographed by Michelle Webster at Storyhouse Chester (Image: Michelle Webster)
Michelle said: “Photographing Sam Dixon MP at Storyhouse was a really special experience. I found Sam’s story genuinely inspiring.
“Her connection to this place and to the people of Chester really shines through.
“As a creative, it was great to be at the Storyhouse and I loved capturing her in a space that means so much to her, and to see how naturally she fit into the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of Storyhouse.
“It felt less like a formal shoot and more like celebrating a shared love for this project and what it represents for women: visibility, creativity and strength within our communities.”
The portraits will form part of an online exhibition in 2026, followed by a nationwide outdoor exhibition the same year, creating a powerful public record of this moment in political history.
Sue Wright, chair of the RPS Women in Photography group, said: “As a result of the 2024 General Election, we now have the highest number of women MPs in Parliament.
“Through this project we aim to capture their strength, grace and power—celebrating their leadership through the creativity and vision of women photographers.”
Christina Osborne, Exhibitions Lead for the RPS WIP 40% Project, said: “By bringing these portraits into public spaces, we hope to inspire the next generation of women and girls to see themselves in positions of influence and leadership. Representation matters, and seeing these images on the streets makes that possibility feel closer and more real.”
The 40% Project will celebrate the women reshaping the political landscape and provide a lasting visual archive of their contribution to public life.
Visit rps.org/groups/women-in-photography/ or follow @rpswomeninphotography to get involved.
ENDS Pic Caption: Samantha Dixon Chester North & Neston Constituency photographed by Michelle Webster at Storyhouse Chester.