Although I imagine I will use this column to talk about local or national issues most of the time, I thought it might be interesting for this first one for me to talk about what it’s like when you first become an MP, given Wantage hasn’t had a new MP since 2005.
Immediately after the result is declared, you’re handed an envelope, which you hope will have terribly exciting information in it, but turns out to just have rather boring paperwork, like the HMRC form you use to start any new job.
That weekend, the House of Commons was in full swing, running induction sessions for us, and just in case we didn’t already feel like children at a new (very fancy) school, we were all given standard issue backpacks to carry our new equipment round in and so we were all very easy to spot.
After three days of induction during the week – lots of new procedures and rules to learn – we then got to participate in the election of the new Speaker.
Although we already knew this was Lindsay Hoyle, it had to be confirmed by the new Parliament. We also got to watch the Queen’s Speech from the House of Lords.
That first week, MPs on all sides were walking around like zombies, having all been exhausted by the campaign.
We were lucky we then had the Christmas break; when we returned after Christmas, everyone looked much more human again.
Each day you receive an average of 150 to 200 emails and 30 to 50 pieces of post, but most MPs are in meetings all day and in the first weeks have neither an office nor any staff.
The main event of the second week was the debate on the Queen’s Speech and on the Tuesday I opted to give my maiden speech during the debate on education.
Unlike some of my colleagues, I had not wanted to speak in the House of Commons – for example by asking a question of a Minister – until I had given my maiden speech. I was also keen to get it out of the way, as it is a pretty nerve-wracking thing to do.
There are certain conventions you have to follow if you are giving a maiden speech: you have to give a tribute to your predecessor, whatever their party; tell the House about your constituency; and make sure what you say is at least in some way relevant to the topic of the debate. I made sure to highlight the constituency’s infrastructure problems, which I will be fighting to improve. Helpfully, MPs on all sides are asked to be quiet and not intervene/heckle someone giving their Maiden Speech; the only time you can count on their silence.
