MP

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job by being elected by voters in the constituency you wish to represent.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Most people show their commitment through campaigning and volunteering for their party.

You could also:

• serve as a local councillor
• be active in a trade union
• get involved in student politics
• work as a researcher or caseworker for an existing MP

Contact your local councillors or your student office to ask about opportunities to volunteer with them.

OtherRoutes

To become an MP, you have to be elected in a byelection or general election. You can stand for election as a member of a political party or as an independent candidate.

Each political party has its own selection procedure. Usually, you'll need to get the support of your party's nominating officer before you can become a candidate.

During an election, you'll be expected to campaign in public and online, attend meetings, make speeches and talk to the local media. You'll find it helpful to have some experience in one or more of these areas.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• an understanding of society and culture
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent written communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• maths knowledge
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• an interest and knowledge of history
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

MPs represent people's concerns and interests in the House of Commons.

As an MP, you'll attend sessions in Parliament to:

• vote on new laws and policies
• raise constituents’ concerns with ministers
• debate issues and ask questions

Outside Parliament, you'll:

• talk to businesses and schools about local, national and international issues
• speak to the media
• attend meetings and conferences
• hold advice sessions in your constituency

Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £87,000
Experienced : £104,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

44 - 46 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings away from home

Career Path:

General elections are held every 5 years, so it can take some time to become an elected MP.

With experience, you might get the opportunity to:

• take on extra responsibilities like chairing committees
• move from junior minister to minister, then to cabinet minister if your party is in power
• become a party whip or party leader
• be a spokesperson on certain issues or have responsibilities in a shadow cabinet if your party is in opposition