 Inspired by her colleague Silverman , who in the 1935 general election became MP for Nelson and Colne , Bessie determined to seek a parliamentary career of her own . This ambition contrasted with that of Jack , who turned down the chance to be Labour 's candidate in the Everton constituency to concentrate on his local government role . In 1936 Bessie was selected as Labour candidate for Liverpool Exchange . This inner @-@ city division had long been held by the Conservatives , mainly because of a substantial " business vote " which , before the abolition of plural voting in 1948 , gave owners of businesses an extra vote in the constituency where their business operated . In the recent election the seat had been held by the Conservative , Sir John Shute , with a majority of 4 @,@ 412 . Bessie was then 36 years old ; she would have to wait for nearly 10 years before she could fight her seat , as the general election that would normally have been held in 1939 or 1940 was postponed by the Second World War . 
