The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Dazed and confused: how are new MPs adjusting to parliament?
Nov 29, 2024
New MPs are facing a challenging transition to parliament, much like starting university but with national stakes. They share their fears of party whips and balancing local duties amidst the daunting atmosphere of Westminster. The podcast dives into the contrasting experiences of Conservative and Labour representatives, touching on significant issues like net migration and assisted dying. Listeners also get insights into the future of Labour and the revolutionary impact of drone technology in both politics and emergency services.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Overwhelmed New MPs
- New MPs are overwhelmed and disoriented, much like during Freshers' Week at university.
- They struggle with arcane rules, constant appeals for support, and even finding affordable housing.
Unexpected Challenges
- Many new MPs find the job isn't what they expected, facing chaos and feeling overwhelmed.
- Commons etiquette can be intimidating, especially for women, with a prevalent 'old boys club' atmosphere.
Office Space Crunch
- Despite a fixed number of MPs, office space is limited, requiring sharing and hot-desking.
- A 'freshers fair' was held to help new MPs navigate basic parliamentary services and resources.