member of parliament (mp)

The work

One Member of Parliament (MP) represents each constituency or electoral area in the UK, serving in the House of Commons, the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly or the European Parliament. MPs are elected by members of the public in each constituency. Most candidates for election are nominated by a political party although it is possible to stand as an independent.

MPs represent their constituency's interests in parliament when new laws or issues are debated, and reflect the views and policies of the party to which they belong. This involves attending meetings and speaking during debates, raising questions and researching issues of concern at local and national level. Many MPs are also members of committees that scrutinise governmental departments, amend and draft new legislation, or those looking at specific issues such as the environment or parliamentary reform. An MP whose political party is in power could hold a government post.

An MP represents their constituency for the duration of the parliament. This is a maximum of five years, although parliament can be dissolved at any time and a new election called. The MP could then stand for re-election.

One day a week is usually spent in the home constituency, holding surgeries and advice sessions to address local issues and concerns. Other frequent duties include attendance and speaking at conferences, social functions and charity events, touring local businesses and organisations, and being interviewed by the media.

Hours and Environment

MPs often work more than 100 hours a week, including evenings and weekends, with parliamentary debates sometimes continuing into the night.

They are based in offices at their respective parliament and in their constituency. It is usual for MPs to live near parliament during the week and travel to their constituency at weekends. There is a great deal of travel, including overseas.

Skills and Interests

To be an MP you should:

• have ambition, drive and commitment
• strong political or social beliefs, and the passion, energy and enthusiasm to do something about the things you believe in
• be good at public speaking and persuading people
• have self-confidence and conviction, especially when you're supporting unpopular ideas
• have good writing skills
• have an enquiring mind and investigative abilities
• be interested in current affairs and social and economic issues
• have stamina for long, hard hours at work and for constant pressure.

Entry

The minimum age to stand for election is 21 and candidates must meet nationality requirements. No formal qualifications are required, but prospective MPs have usually worked in other occupational areas such as industry, commerce, medicine, law or education. Work as a local councillor, as a parliamentary researcher, or in a trade union could also be useful.

Securing a political party's nomination for election is unlikely without lengthy party membership, extensive campaign activity during previous elections, and the ability to demonstrate a very strong commitment. Several interviews are then held before a candidate is approved.

Once a candidate has been nominated they must be democratically elected to become a member of parliament by their constituency. This usually involves an intensive campaigning period including going out to meet constituents and making public speeches.

Training

Most training for this work is given after having been elected, with help and support being offered through party Whips (MPs responsible for making sure all party members vote) and by local, regional and central party offices.

Training varies, but tends to cover communication skills, dealing with the press, election procedures, and self-presentation.

Opportunities

There are 659 MPs at Westminster, 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.

Promotion prospects are limited. An MP whose party is in power could secure governmental posts, ranking from junior minister to minister and then cabinet minister. Opposition parties have positions as spokespersons on government departments.

In spite of the job being full-time, some MPs manage to maintain an additional job.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The salary for MPs is £59,095 a year.
An additional payment of £12,500 a year is made to MPs who chair some government committees.

MPs receive allowances for expenses such as staffing, travelling and accommodation. They may also be paid extra for specific responsibilities such as being Whips or Cabinet Ministers.

Further information

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
Tel: 029 2082 5111
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Tel: 0845 278 1999
Information Office
London
SW1A 0AA
Tel: 020 7219 3000

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