Member News
15th March 2010Constituency representation is at the forefront of the work of MPs, a parliamentary seminar has been told.
Speaking at the 59th Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure, hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Andrew Rosindell MP declared that a "different breed of MP" had developed over the last 20 years- one that was far more constituency-focused.
"In many ways Members of Parliament are now community champions, whose job it is to be in touch and connected with local constituents," Rosindell informed the delegates from the Commonwealth.
The Conservative member for Romford went on to tell the well-attended session on 'the role of the MP in the constituency' that, for a 21st century MP, being active in their local constituency is paramount.
"Visibility is the most important thing for an MP in their constituency. As a result, all parties must branch out when seeking to engage with the public."
Endorsing this, Andy Love MP noted that "The experience of constituents shapes what MPs do and what questions they ask in Parliament."
"MPs as a group tend to have quite a negative reputation, however individual MPs, broadly speaking, have very good reputations in their local areas."
Love also stated that the first-past-the-post electoral system contributed to the premium MPs place on constituencies.
"Any electoral system has to be constituency-based in order for MPs to truly represent the people," Love argued.
Following these discussions on an MP's constituency work, a number of delegates asked pertinent questions on subjects as diverse as increasing party membership, the pay and demographics of MPs' staff, the involvement of MPs in decision-making, and the issue of conscience votes.
Please do find out more about the Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd