Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira is Professor of Politics at the University of Leeds. She is Co-Director of the Centre for Democratic Engagement, Chair of the UK Study of Parliament Group, and the co-editor of the journal Parliamentary Affairs
Please tell us a little bit about how you entered academia and your academic career
I first entered academia back in Portugal, through Research Assistance temporary jobs and teaching. But I interrupted this by working in an opinion poll company, deciding eventually that actually I really wanted to do a PhD as I enjoyed in-depth research far too much to stay at a poll company; at which time I came to the UK thanks to a British Chevening Scholarship, fully convinced I’d head back to Portugal once the PhD was done. Twenty-seven years later I’m still here… In the UK I carried on being involved in research projects as a PhD student, thanks to my contacts with teams in Portugal, and taught the odd seminar for Lord Norton’s fab class on Comparative Legislatures, demonstrating to British students how amazing(ly puzzling) the Portuguese parliament was;-). In the meanwhile started my family (first son born half way through PhD; second one born a week after PhD Viva; third one at the start of my first lectureship job), so was somewhat constrained of where I could go/apply for, as my husband had a good job at Hull Uni (different field) and commuting would have been very difficult. Got a temporary lectureship at Hull University, eventually turned into a permanent one. I was looking at photos the other day with my youngest son of when he was a toddler and noticed how worn out I looked then! I look back and I have no idea how I did it, but when I started my first lectureship I also became Admissions Tutor, had to develop, lead and teach a new research methods for all 2nd year students, whilst also leading another compulsory module for first years and introduce an (as it happens first in the UK) MA fully taught online; and my youngest didn’t sleep through until he was 2. No wonder I looked completely worn out then. Stayed at Hull until 2015, by which time I’d become professor, before moving on to Leeds Uni.
Which five books/articles (written by someone else) have been most important to you in your academic career?
In no particular order:
Politics as a Vocation, Max Weber (I’m sorry, but I’m actually a sociologist, not a political scientist… when I did my undergraduate studies, Politics didn’t exist as a degree in Portugal, effects of 48 years of dictatorship).
The Presentation of the Self in Everyday Life, Erving Goffman
The Differentiation of Society, Niklas Luhmann
Legislatures in Developmental Perspective, Allan Kornberg and Lloyd D. Musolf (eds.)
Does Parliament Matter?, Philip Norton – incidentally, this book is the reason I came to the UK. I remember so well seeing it in the library of the Constitutional Court in Lisbon and thinking: this is what I want to do for my PhD, does parliament matter (and obviously, why;)). I went straight to the British Council to try to find a postal address for this Philip Norton… these were the years before the internet. Found out he was in this place called Hull. Wrote him a letter asking if I could do my PhD with him, he replied, yes sure; got a grant, off I went to glorious Hull. Imagine if he had said no;-).
Which person/people has/have been most influential/important to you in your academic career?
Tricky one but in terms of influential I’m going for my mum (which would probably surprise her). Not because she’s done anything in particular towards my career or even knows much about what I do (and much less about academia). But because of the sort of woman she is. She’s not your standard mum, but she’s pretty phenomenal. Incredibly hard-worker, very strong work ethics, thinks outside the box and always saw what others wouldn’t, very open-minded and adaptable. Without explicitly teaching me, I know that a lot of my resilience and adaptability come from her, and those have been key in my career. And from my grandma, another amazing woman, I got the love for teaching. My father also influenced me a lot, we were very close; he also loved his teaching (he was a professor in demography), and no doubt my interest for research comes from him.
Most important definitely my husband – I wouldn’t have been able to do half of the things I’ve done without my better half; but then again I wouldn’t have married him, if I didn’t know he’d be my better half;-).
Which of your own pieces of research are you most proud of?
Ah, hmm. I’m very proud of my PhD (From Legislation to Legitimation: the Role of the Portuguese Parliament), still today. Although not actual research as such, I’m very proud of the Exploring Parliament book I co-edited with Louise Thompson, for lots of reasons, but primarily because it combines three of favourite work things (pedagogy, parliament and working with officials) (ok, four things: and working with Louise). I’m also very proud of my article with David Judge on the ‘Institutional Representation of Parliament’ (in Political Studies), again for lots of reasons, but mainly because it was the culmination of a process of true academic discussion, reflection, research, collaboration and exchange of ideas. In an increasingly individualistic academic environment, it’s a privilege to actually have such a collaborative experience of exchanging and refining ideas.
What has been your greatest achievement in academia?
Oh, no idea, you tell me. Though two things I’m very proud of: the fact I’m a National Teaching Fellow and, together with Louise Thompson, to have transformed the PSA Parliaments specialist group at the time from a small and practically inactive group, to one of the largest and most active ones, and with a legacy that lasts today still.
What has been your greatest disappointment in academia?
Dealing with deceitful people. Can’t stand deceit.
What is the first or most important thing you tell your students about parliaments?
To look into it by themselves, rather than believing what others say about parliament.
Where were you born, where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I was born in Paris (as in Paris, France, not Paris, Texas;)). My parents had been lucky enough to get scholarships to study in France and get out of Portugal, where there was a dictatorship. They met in Paris. A few years later I was born. We stayed there until the revolution in Portugal, I was about 4. My mum was on the first flight back to Portugal as soon as the airport opened. The revolution happened in April, by June they had left their (fab) jobs in Paris, made an auction of most of their stuff and gone to Portugal. I only spoke French until then, didn’t say a word for a month, and when I started speaking again, it came out in Portuguese. My parents were very political, so I was brought up between political demonstrations, party meetings and feminist gatherings. My mum would eventually become an MP and Minister; my father at one point actually created his own party, and created the trade union for higher education in Portugal. It’s not your “typical” Portuguese upbringing… and no surprise that I ended up obsessed with politics and parliament in particular (especially as my grandma, to whom I was very close, was also into her politics). Lived in Lisbon until I decided I’d give it a go with doing a PhD in Hull – the plan was to carry on living in Lisbon though. But one sunny lunch time I met my future husband at staff house at Hull Uni, and that was it. One year later we were married. Have stayed in East Yorkshire ever since. I live near Beverley, a beautiful market town, which I love. So I always think of myself as having three identities between France, Portugal and the UK, where I have now lived the longest.
What was your first job?
Ah, difficult to say, depends what you mean. But first first job, babysitter.
What was the toughest job you ever had?
Going to one of my students’ funeral.
What are your hobbies?
Hmm. Not sure I’ve ever considered these as my ‘hobbies’, but things I do to make me happy: take photos (my boys recurrently tease me on the amount of photos I take – if I could speak through photos, I would do), walks (LOVE walking, particularly in the North York moors, the Lake District, or just locally), gardening (love looking after our garden, love pruning!), and do anything that relates to food: eat food, talk food, cook food, watch food, photograph food, discover food, share food etc. Besides that, I’ve always loved jigsaws, and recently I’ve found they help me de-stress. A colleague introduced me to the world of Wentworth wooden jigsaws…. WOW. Ah, and I love dancing, does that count as a hobby? My husband and I started a salsa class about a year ago, one of the best things we’ve done; we’re not that good, but we love it. Highly recommend it, a great way to de-stress and take your mind off the little things that drain your brain day in, day out. And I’ve done Pilates regularly for about 30 years, to keep me sane; and I go running about twice a week supposedly to keep me healthy; I’m rubbish at it.
What is your favourite novel?
Possession, by A.S. Byatt – for lots of reasons, but mainly because this was one of the books I challenged myself to read when I did my English language British Council course for my IELTS exam, all those years ago. And I loved it then already, but then when I moved to the UK I re-read it and realised how appropriate that book had been as a sort of intro into my journey in the UK. Most of the action takes place in this part of the world, between Lincolnshire and the North York Moors, and it’s a story about academics (with archival material in between, a favourite of mine too).
But I love crime fiction, so could not not mention the Maigret series, by Simenon. Absolute genius writing and plots; always happy to re-read them. Could mention any, but let’s go for Maigret et les braves gens.
What is your favourite music?
Ah, I have a very eclectic taste in music. Music is very important to me – always have music on and can’t work without music blasting out in my ear-phones (unless I’m in meetings…). Love classical music, particularly ancient music, but also opera (wrote my whole PhD to the sound of Norma). But also love lots of other styles, and totally love soul music; one of my favourite contemporary bands are the Pink Martini. But my all favourite is undoubtedly Tom Waits. So it’s between Bach’s Cello Suites, Telemann’s Sonate Metodiche, Bellini’s Casta Diva, Charpentier’s Magnificat, Aretha Franklin’s Think, Barbara Lewis’ Baby, I’m Yours, Everything But The Girl’s Come on Home, Edith Piaf’s Milord, Amália’s Com Que Voz, and Tom Waits’ Downtown Train,Martha, Time, Ruby’s Arms, Grapefruit Moon and Jersey Girl. But, when all is said and done, Jersey Girl (sang by T. Waits) will always be my go to song.
What are your favourite pieces of artwork?
Easy, a painting done by my son’s partner of my favourite set of trees, which I’ve photographed about a million times;). They gave it to me as a present, and it’s stunning. See it for yourself:
What is your favourite film?
Another very difficult one, love film, have always done so. The older I get, the more I’d go for a happy ending though, as life is complicated enough. If you asked my sons, they’d say my favourite film is Mary Poppins, so let’s go with that, and add Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, because it’s a Howard Hawks, it stars the magnificent Marilyn Monroe, it’s from the 1950s (my favourite era) and it’s a sort of a musical. Can’t go wrong.
What is your favourite building?
Well, it has to be a parliament, doesn’t it? The question is which one, very tricky. Probably controversial, but I think I’ll go for the Scottish Parliament. Obviously love the Palace of Westminster too, incredibly special and impressive, and of course the Portuguese Assembleia da República is objectively the most beautiful parliament in the world (as my students know, the sky is always a magnificent blue there). But I actually love the modern architecture of Holyrood, and the way it combines natural elements, such as wood, stone, glass, and the way it integrates so many symbolic elements of the land and nation of Scotland; whilst combining also a very modern building with an older one. And I actually love the beauty of the chamber and of the committee rooms (and the view from those rooms…wow). Sorry. I still love Westminster though.
What is your favourite tv show?
Ah, MasterChef (sorry). For a long time I didn’t actually watch any TV. When our sons were growing up, we used to work two shifts (my husband is also an academic): during the day and at night, so that we could be with our sons late afternoon/evening. So we never followed any TV; just watched films every so often. But over the last few years, as we’ve been able to only do one shift, a long day, we do now watch some TV. And we’re obsessed with MasterChef, we watch them all, standard, pros, celebrities, xmas special, whatever it may be.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Portugal obviously! Anywhere in Portugal, but particularly Lisbon, Ericeira and the Alentejo. It still feels like home, but only with the good bits, and of course the fabulous food; the amazing weather and the stunning sea.
What is your favourite sport?
I’m not really a sports person. My father loved football and played it very well. My older son has inherited this love and gift. My husband is mad cyclist. So I’ll watch football and cycling, to keep them company and I enjoy their appreciation of the sports. My husband is also into climbing (he’s built a climbing wall in the garage during lockdown!), and I used to do it with him (before the kids!); my three sons have inherited his love for climbing, but I can’t say as a mum I enjoy watching them…. Too scary. So, I usually read my book at a nearby café/tea room/rock.
Boothroyd or Bercow?
Boothroyd.
Restoration or Renewal?
Restoration whilst Renewing
Cat or Dog?
Cat.
Fish and chips or Curry?
Fish and chips, if a Friday evening by Hornsea seafront with my boys; curry if made by my husband
Planes, trains or automobiles?
Trains!!! Can’t stand planes or anything about flying, from actual airports, to the flying bit, to the environmental damage they do. It’s mad that we fly everywhere in Europe. If we had a good train infrastructure, there’d be no reason why that shouldn’t be the main means of transport within Europe. And we shouldn’t always thrive to doing things as quickly as possible, getting to places quickly; there’s a lot of value in a slower pace. Train all the way.
Scones: Devonshire or Cornish Method?
No idea, both fine? Pastéis de Nata.
And, finally, a question asked by 8-year-old Seth: Would you rather play football with a snowball, or tennis with a basketball?
Definitely football with a snowball! It’d remind me of my father and I love snow.
