Sheffield MP Louise Haigh on her first five years in Parliament

Five years later, it is clear she started as she meant to go on - campaigning on issues including family justice, inequality and mental health.

But recalling that first year, Louise - who at the time was the youngest MP in the party - said it was a “baptism of fire”, and beats even this year as the most difficult yet.

“It was a real rollercoaster 2015 because we were straight into a leadership election, the Tories had won a sizeable majority that nobody anticipated - it was a real shock to the system.

“Then we had the looming referendum and my friend and colleague Jo Cox was murdered.

“It was an enormous learning curve having to deal with an internal leadership election, a very difficult external referendum and then the loss in such a violent, brutal way of a friend and everything that came off the back of that as well, we saw a massive increase in abuse and hatred. That has definitely been the hardest year and defined how I approached politics and the work since. It was a real baptism of fire.”

Since then she has taken on various roles including shadow policing minister and most recently shadow Northern Ireland secretary.

But she never set out to be an MP, saying it was a case of being in the "right place at the right time".

Louise grew up on Abbeydale Road, which is the main route running through her constituency, with her mother and younger brother who she is still really close to.

She joined the Labour Party at 16-years-old, inspired by her economics teacher who she credits with opening her eyes to party politics and encouraging her to realise her own values.

Following A-levels, Louise studied politics and economics at the London School of Economics but worked at Aviva and as a special constable in the police before being elected.

Although now well-established, Louise said she still sometimes feels awed by the history of Parliament.

“It kind of overwhelms you sometimes, most days you go along and crack on with the job. Then other days you sit there and become a bit overwhelmed by history and that you are sat in the same seat as all these incredible people who have changed the course of history and the face of Britain over hundreds of years. I still get imposter syndrome sometimes.”

At home, she is well recognised and spends much of her time helping constituents with various issues.

“It’s the most beautiful constituency in the UK, " she said. "My favourite thing about it is the people and how engaged they are, sometimes you wish for a quieter life but it makes you a better politician because people are engaged, holding me to account, wanting to talk and are interested. As much as some people are unpleasant, the vast majority just want you to do a good job and are rooting for you. The people of my constituency are what I love most about it and what I’m proudest of.”

But as well as positive relationships with constituents, Louise has had to deal with abuse to the extent panic alarms were fitted in her home and office.

“It is difficult and at times it has given me pause for thought as to whether I can cope with it, especially living on my own but again, like with everything in this job, you weigh up the enormous privilege that it is - the change and impact you can have. I try to tell myself they are often attacking the idea of the politician not you as a person, so I try to not take it too personally.”

She added: “It is hard work and it is draining, you are never really off - you work all the time but it’s incredibly rewarding and when you win on behalf of your constituents it really makes it all worthwhile. It hardens you, I’m a lot tougher and have a much thicker skin than when I started and for me it’s about trying to keep that balance between having a thick skin and remaining empathetic and caring about people.

“I found it strange when I first got elected, going to the pubs around here and people would just plonk themselves down on the table next to you and think they could just join you for the rest of the evening and chat politics, which is not always what you want to do on a Friday night. I think constituents sometimes feel they have a right to own you in a way but I think I manage it pretty well, I’m quite good at turning off too.”

Aside from politics, Louise enjoys travelling, spending time with friends, playing football, practising yoga, reading, listening to music and going to gigs.

The Christmas song she loves the most is All I Want for Christmas is You, her favourite festive film is Elf and her dream Christmas present would be a general election - although with better weather than last year’s.

Going forward, some of her aims are to keep tackling inequality, champion Sheffield and help bring more jobs to the area.

She said: “Sheffield has come on so much, it’s a totally changed city from when I first left - the city centre has completely transformed and we have got lots to look forward to and a really good future ahead of us. We have just got to get through this pandemic and we need the support from the government to be able to do that. Sheffield can be the best city in the country to live in and I think that is what we as political leaders need to focus on.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.