MP Duties

The Work and Duties of an MP
It is a great privilege and a great duty to serve as an MP and, as so many people have asked, I thought I'd let you know what's involved.  The workload varies, but a 100 hour week is common for many MPs.

1. Represent All Constituents
The role of an MP is to represent all constituents irrespective of how they voted.

This work includes:

a. Answering phone calls (100/wk)
b. Answering letters (400/wk)
c. Writing letters and making calls on behalf of constituents to take up their issues (e.g. Council, Housing Associations, CSA, Home Office, Government Ministers) (100/wk)
d. Answering emails (400/wk)
e. One to one meetings (as required)
Estimated overall volume of incoming enquiries to be reviewed is about 900/wk and the estimated overall volume of actions and responses each week is about 250.

For the first several weeks this has taken about 12hrs/wk of my personal time and is a full time role for my assistant.

2. Take Action on Campaign Issues
I am determined to do all I can to take action on the issues raised during the campaign.  This requires time spent researching, organising, holding meetings and debating in the chamber to try to bring about a good result.

I am focussed on:
a. Reducing Air Noise
b. Combating over-development and
c. Ensuring flood protection

The estimated time required is about 12hrs/wk for meetings, phone calls, research consideration, debating and letter writing.

3. Hold Government to Account & Perform Core Parliamentary Work
I have duties in parliament that require my presence from Monday to Thursday each week, typically from about 9.30am until 11pm and sometimes over-night.

As a member of the 'official opposition' it is my job to hold the Government to account for its decisions, actions and the affects of its policies.

In addition, one of the key roles of an MP is to scrutinise legislation through committees.

Duties include:
a. Preparing for, attending and participating in debates
b. Attending votes
c. Preparing, attending and participating in standing committees to review legislation
d. Preparing, attending and participating in select committees to review legislation
e. Construct, sign and table written questions
f. Construct, sign and table oral questions
g. Construct, sign and table EDMs questions
h. Join and attend All Party Parliamentary group meetings Estimated time when parliament is sitting = 40hrs/wk

4. Undertake Conservative Party work
Having been elected as a member and representative of the Conservative Party, I am now also a member of the Conservative Parliamentary party.  There are several activities that should be performed, some on an ad-hoc basis:
a. Party functions in London (balls, drinks receptions, fundraising dos…)
b. 1922 committee meetings
c. Leadership and chairman’s meetings d. Whips meetings and week planning sessions
e. Attend and speak at Conferences
f. Campaign in by-elections (South Staffs, Cheadle etc)
g. Undertake media appearances as a spokesman

In future, if appointed, I may also need to
a. Bag carry, prepare research and write speeches for a shadow minister as PPS or the like
b. Act as whip
c. Hold a shadow post

The estimated time (excluding conference & future posts) is about 11hrs/wk.

5. Constituency Engagements
One of the core functions is to attend non-political events in the Constituency, to maintain strong contact and keep close to constituents.

These include:
a. Garden parties
b. Openings
c. Fares and fetes
d. Businesses
e. Charities
f. Concerts
g. Parades

The estimated time is about 10hrs/wk (Typically Friday & Saturday)

6. Work with the Windsor Conservative Association
Members of the Windsor Conservative Association selected and helped to campaign to elect me to parliament.  It is a pleasure to assist with their good work locally including

a. Major Association events (e.g. AGM & Exec meetings)
b. Branch events
c. Friday Informal suppers
d. Patrons club dos
e. New member welcoming events
f. Coffee mornings, strawberry teas, garden parties and other events from time to time

At present I estimate = 8hrs/wk

7. Ensure Business Continuity
My background, before full time politics, was as an entrepreneur and businessman building businesses in the commercial world.  I am delighted that these businesses now provide jobs and livelihoods for about 300 people and their families.

As the founder of businesses, I want to secure their continued success and the employment they provide.

As non-executive Chairman, I am not actively involved on a day-to-day basis.  However, I consider it important to maintain business links so that I can contribute more fully to debates on the laws and regulations that affect business.

These non-executive roles require about 4hrs/wk on average.

8. Maintain Other Support Roles
It is important to maintain contact with charities and other outside bodies, in order to maintain balance.  I continue to provide input and support to several charities and voluntary organisations including Berkshire Young Enterprise, the Thames Valley Hospice and The Sebastian Gates Trust.

I have now resigned from other key positions held for the last several years:
a. Museum of London (resigned)
b. Museum in Docklands (resigned)
c. Policy Exchange (resigned)

9. Stay Healthy and Happy
In order to stay fresh and happy one needs time for family, private and home life. One also needs time to stay fit and healthy and running is my chosen pass-time.  This balance is important for me to remain healthy, happy and energized.

I have made the commitment to continue to keep Sunday for private, family, health and home life and to ensure that holidays are as uninterrupted as possible.