The Effect of Second Jobs on MPs' Asking More Questions

MPs have collectively earned millions of pounds from side hustles in the last few years. From the ‘cash for access’ scandal to the resignation of Owen Paterson, the public is fascinated by extra work carried out by politicians. But how much does this impact their day jobs? 

Marie Le Conte sits down with Dr. Simon Weschle, assistant professor in the political science department at Syracuse University, to find out if second jobs truly are the scourge of British politics. 

• “Having a second job means MPs are more likely to attend the commons.” 
• “An MP working as a dentist doesn’t change their voting behaviour.“
• "If an MP has a city job they spend more time in London but they’re less often in their constituency." 

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Liam Tait and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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