What does an MP do?
The most common question I’m asked is ‘what exactly does an MP do?’
Well, it’s a lot of reading, a lot of letter writing, and a lot of campaigning for the issues affecting the constituency.
There are two parts to the role, really: work in the constituency and work in parliament. Here in Norfolk I take a proactive part in a number of local campaigns, hold regular constituency surgeries and visit as many local schools, businesses, groups and charity organisations as I am able.
Back in Westminster I believe it is my role to lobby ministers on Norfolk issues, to follow up casework for my constituents, and also to meet regularly with representatives of Industry, Academia, Public Services, and a whole range of other fields to keep informed about the matters affecting Mid Norfolk and the country at large.
In the Palace Chamber I take part in debates, make speeches, vote on policy, and represent the views of our constituents on local, national, and international matters in Parliament.
In my role as the Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Minister for Climate Change, and as the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Science, Technology and Agriculture, I also spend a lot of time researching and writing papers to promote the UK’s Green Economy.
I hope you find the outline below of an average (although no week is the same!) week a useful insight to see what we all get up to for you in Westminster.
George
A week in the life of your MP
Monday
- Morning in the Norfolk office, reading and writing correspondence, checking the diary and setting priorities for the week
- Travel to Westminster to arrive in Parliament by 2.00pm for Parliamentary Questions
- Afternoon: meeting with my secretary, meetings, and telephone calls
- 4.00pm Meeting of Norfolk MPs
- Evening: reading and signing correspondence
- 10.00pm Voting starts
- 11.00pm Leave for my lodging (I rent a room 15 minutes from Parliament)
Tuesday
- 6.00-8.00am work on papers from London lodging
- 8.45am Weekly meeting with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (I am the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Minister for Climate Change, Greg Barker)
- 9.45am Follow up meeting with Greg Barker, Minister for Climate Change
- 9.00 –11.00am constituency correspondence
- Afternoons – mix of meetings / calls / reading / speaking in debates
- 12.30 – 10.30pm ongoing duties in the palace chamber (debates, Committee meetings, Bill readings)
- Evening – I usually have a reception to attend
- Vote usually 7.00pm – 10.00pm
- Eat late in the house
- Home after voting. Usually 11.00pm
Wednesday
- 6.00-8.00am work on papers
- 9.00 –11.00am constituency correspondence
- 11.30am – 1.00 pm ongoing duties in the palace chamber
- 12.00pm Prime Minister’s Questions
- Afternoons – mix of meetings / calls / reading / speaking in debates
- Vote usually 7.00pm
- Home by 10.00pm and usually work on papers/emails
Thursday
- Same as Wednesday
- Vote usually 7.00pm
- Travel back to Norfolk, home around 10.00pm for a late dinner with my wife, Eleanor
Friday
- 6.00 – 8.00am papers
- Family breakfast
- Morning - correspondence, calls
- Afternoon: constituency visits and/or surgery
- Evening: normally a constituency function of some sort
Saturday
- 6.00am – 8.00am papers
- Morning or afternoon: usually one or other constituency visits
- Evening: sometimes a constituency function / sometimes at home
Sunday
- I try to keep as the day for the family, apart from special constituency engagements (such as Remembrance Day)
Sunday evening
- Precious time with the family. Early family supper, the children’s bedtimes and an evening with my wife, Eleanor, (usually planning the next week!)
- Late p.m. Hour in the home office reviewing the week ahead
