Westminster

A QUESTION I am often asked is 'what is it like working in Westminster?'

In Parliament I work on correspondence and liaise with my office on important constituency casework. I also speak in the chamber and vote both there and in legislative committees (some of which can last several hours over several days).

I meet constituents, lobby groups and representatives of organisations that are important to my constituency. These have included the police, farmers, councillors and officers from the five local authorities that cover the constituency. Amongst my favourite visitors are groups of Central Devon school children.

I also give quite a lot of interviews in Westminster. Sometimes live, sometimes pre-recorded.

I read as much as I can in the Commons Library and place questions with library researchers. I read newspapers but also internet news and blogs. I do a lot of web-based reading on my iphone including during my bus journey to and from Parliament. I also read policy papers especially in the areas of education and business which are the two departments that I am attached too, as the Parliamentary Private Secretary, to our Skills Minister.

I spend a lot of time within the BIS Department and the Education Department (both around ten minutes walk from Parliament).

I meet with ministers, special advisors and the secretaries of state regularly. I help prepare my minister for his appearances in the Commons (including Parliamentary Questions, debates, statements and committees) and support him by providing information when he is at the despatch box. I also act as a liaison between MPs of all parties and my minister. I contribute at a fortnightly meeting at 10 Downing Street to discuss policy and related issues.

Interestingly one question I am never asked is 'what do you do in your spare time?'