28th May 2010

Getting Started

First Surgery

Ask any MP what they find most rewarding about this job and almost all will tell you a story about solving a constituent’s problem that no one else had been able to crack.  So I have looked forward to my first surgery since you elected me three weeks ago.

For three years as candidate I have heard people’s individual problems and concerns; in many instances I have been able to help.  But those two letters after your name and the green embossed letter paper gets things moving like nothing else.

In other many democracies it is almost unheard of for MPs to deal with constituents’ personal concerns.  But here it is a central part of our unique political system.

Now, there is a lot that I would like to see changed and reformed in our democracy but the one thing I hope we never lose is the close link between an MP and his or her constituents.

Why?  Well, for three reasons.

I’ll put my cynical hat on first.  The scandals of the last year showed all too well how politicians easily lose touch with the “real world”.  But believe me, it is far worse in those countries where MPs think constituencies are places you go only at election time.  The importance of the constituency in our politics does something to make sure MPs stay more or less grounded – and when they don’t voters can rightly chuck them out.

Secondly, when MPs vote in the House of Commons they do so on your behalf.  I have only voted a few times so far in this place but every time I have thought to myself – “how will this affect Ipswich” and “what will be the best for our town”.  It is how I shall carry on.  But if you don’t have that constituency link, politicians end up making decisions based only on a point of view, not on the experience of a real place and real people.

And finally, our modern lives are so complicated that often you need someone who can reach beyond the government call centre that never answers the ‘phone; who can bang heads together; who can make the jobsworth to change his mind.  An MP can do just that – so it is vital you can get hold of them and ask for their help.

So, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  Not only will you help me represent you better but you will give me the pleasure of serving you as I should.

ITFC in the Chamber

Readers will be glad to know that Ipswich Town Football Club was represented in the House of Commons during the Queen’s Speech Debate.  I must admit, however, that the Member of Parliament for the town was not responsible.  For as I stood at the end of the benches I noticed that my old friend Peter Aldous, the new MP for Waveney, was sporting a pair of ITFC socks.

Queen’s Speech

Whilst we’re on the Queen’s Speech, I want to share with you one of the most striking moments of the whole ceremony.

Once the Queen is ready to read the speech prepared for her by the government, her representative marches towards the Commons to command us to listen.  But as he approaches, the doors are slammed in his face – to show that it is you, through your representatives, who make the rules, not the Crown.

It’s a good reminder that although much has gone wrong with our politics, at least we citizens are in a position to put things right.

It’s what I’m here to do and you must hold me to it.