Member of Parliament (MP)
What is the work like?
Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent their local constituency in the House of Commons. One MP represents each of the 646 constituencies in the UK. There are also representatives elected to serve in the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly or the European Parliament.
MPs are elected by members of the public in their constituency. This is either done at a general election (usually held every four or five years), or at a local by-election if a seat becomes vacant at any other time. Most MPs are members of a political party, although a few stand for election independently.
As an MP you would represent your constituency's interests in parliament when new laws or issues are debated. You would also need to reflect your party's views and policies. Your work would involve:
- attending sessions in parliament
- debating issues and raising questions in parliament
- voting on new laws and policies
- sitting on committees and attending meetings and conferences
- holding surgeries and advice sessions in your constituency
- taking up constituents’ issues and concerns with relevant ministers
- studying reports and research on relevant issues
- making speeches
- giving interviews to the media.
With experience, you could hold a position of responsibility, such as being a government minister or party spokesperson.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be able to stand as an MP, you must be at least 18, and be a citizen of Britain, a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland. Your commitment to your political party or issue is more important than formal qualifications. Most people show their commitment through campaigning and volunteering for their party.
You may have an advantage with a background as a researcher or caseworker for an MP. Other useful experience can come from:
- serving as a local councillor
- being active in a trade union
- being involved in student politics.
You must gain the support of your local party members and be authorised by your party’s nominating officer before you can become the prospective parliamentary candidate for your constituency. The major political parties have tough selection procedures. Alternatively, you could stand as an independent candidate.
To stand for election, you must submit nomination papers signed by at least ten electors from the constituency you wish to represent. You must also pay a £500 deposit (which is returned to you if you gain more than five per cent of the total votes at the election).
Once you have been nominated, you must be democratically elected to become a member of parliament. This usually involves an intensive campaigning period which includes meeting constituents, making speeches and talking to the local media.
What further training and development can I do?
Most of your training would take place on the job after you were elected. You would be supported by party whips (senior MPs responsible for making sure all party members vote) and other experienced MPs.
You may be able to attend training workshops covering subjects like presentation and communication skills, dealing with the media, and election procedures.
You should also take responsibility for your own development and keep up to date with current affairs by reading journals, magazines and newspapers.
Where can I go for more information?
EdinburghEH99 1SP
Tel: 0845 278 1999
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
Tel: 029 2082 5111
London
SW1A 0AA
Tel: 020 7219 3000
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
An MP's basic salary is £61,820 a year, plus expenses to cover staffing, travel and accommodation.
Additional payments are made for extra responsibilities such as chairing committees, or being a party whip or cabinet minister.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours Monday to Friday could be very long when in parliament. Core hours in the House of Commons are until 10pm on some evenings, and parliamentary debates sometimes continue into the night.
Many MPs choose to live in London during the week when parliament is sitting, and travel to their constituency one day a week or at weekends. Parliament regularly breaks for recess and has a long summer break, so you would usually spend more time in your constituency at these times.
You would have office bases at parliament and also in your constituency. You may also spend a lot of time travelling around the UK and possibly overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- motivation, determination and commitment
- strong political and social beliefs
- the desire to represent the people in your constituency
- excellent communication skills and public speaking ability
- the ability to persuade and motivate people
- confidence and decisiveness
- problem-solving ability
- an interest in current affairs and social and economic issues
- the ability to work under pressure.
What opportunities are there?
There are 646 MPs at Westminster. There are also 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) in Edinburgh, 60 members of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, and 78 British Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) based in Brussels and Strasbourg.
With experience, you could take on extra responsibilities such as chairing committees, and progress to more senior positions in your party, such as party whip or even leader.
If your party was in power, you could progress from junior minister in a government department, to minister and then cabinet minister. If your party was in opposition, you could be a party spokesperson on certain issues, or have responsibilities in a shadow cabinet.
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