Episode description

In May 2015, 20 year-old Mhairi Black was the youngest person for more than a century to become a Member of Parliament – and she then remained a Westminster MP until standing down at the 2024 election. A new BBC documentary follows her last six months in that role and looks at what her future could hold in a new career as a stand-up comedian. Now 30, she joins Anita Rani to reflect on her years in Parliament and what she’d like to see change about the way it functions.

The Women’s Prize was founded thirty years ago and this year Woman’s Hour will be talking to longlisted writers along with previous winners. In our first discussion Anita is joined by Helen Castor, longlisted in the non-fiction category for 'The Eagle and the Hart', a psychologically gripping account of King Richard II and King Henry IV, and by Rosanna Pike, longlisted for her novel 'A Little Trickerie', which is set in 1500 and tells the story of an orphaned girl who attempts an audacious hoax.

Today at the Royal Albert Hall, Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price will be the first female headliners to box in what will be the venue’s first all-female card. Jonas, an experienced fighter, is taking on Price, a rising star who has never lost a round as a pro. With world titles on the line, British sports journalist and presenter Anna Woolhouse joins us to discuss a huge moment in British women’s boxing, which emphasises the progress of women in the sport.

Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Laura Northedge