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- Represent a part of the country in parliament, raising their issues and voting on laws and policies
- You'll need to split your time between your constituency and Parliament in London
- Hours are long but this is a highly responsible and rewarding role that affect the future of the country
As an MP, you'll split your time between Parliament and the constituency you represent.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
When in Parliament you'll:
- Vote on new laws and policies
- Raise constituents' concerns with relevant ministers
- Debate issues
- Raise questions.
Outside Parliament, you'll:
- Talk to businesses and schools about local, national and international issues
- Speak to the media
- Attend meetings and conferences
- Hold surgeries and advice sessions in your constituency
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your working environment might be emotionally demanding, involving frequent travel and nights away from home.
You'll need
To be an MP, you'll need legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations, knowledge of English language and maths, analytical thinking skills, excellent verbal communication skills, knowledge of teaching, the ability to read English, and good initiative.
Most people show their commitment through campaigning and volunteering for their party. You can get useful experience from serving as a local councillor, being active in a trade union, being involved in student politics, or working as a researcher or caseworker for an existing MP.
You can become an MP by being elected in a by-election or general election, where you can stand for election as a member of a political party or as an independent candidate. Selection procedures vary between political parties.
You'll need to be 18 or over, a British citizen, a citizen of a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland.
General elections are normally held every 5 years, so it can take a long time to be elected MP.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you may get the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities like chairing committees and moving into more senior positions like party whip or even party leader. If your political party is in power, you could go from junior minister to minister and then cabinet minister. If your party is in opposition, you could be a spokesperson on certain issues or have responsibilities in a shadow cabinet.