Just the job as city MP tries out life as ordinary worker
AN EAST End politician has put himself in the shoes of the ordinary people he represents - by trying out their jobs for the day.
MP David Linden, who was elected to represent Glasgow East in June, spent last week trying out a variety of jobs and discovering first hand the concerns of ordinary people living in his constituency.
The SNP politician pulled pints at the Tavern Bar in Tollcross as part of the In Your Shoes initiative.
He also put himself on the frontline with firefighters at Easterhouse and helped traffic cops catch speeding drivers near schools i n Greenfield.
His eagerness for work experience also took the Westminster politician to Our Lady of Peace Primary School in Barlanark where he tried his hand at teaching.
Finally, David also worked with staff at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Easterhouse to learn more about their job.
David said: “I think sometimes politicians are just a wee bit too comfortable and stay within their bubble. Since I was elected in June I have been trying to do thing slightly differently. I spend two hours every week chapping doors asking people what they are thinking, even though there is not an election on.”
He added: “I am conscious that of course as an MP I get the chance to visit schools and it is lovely to do that. But actually being in there on the classroom floor and finding out the number of kids who are getting free school meals, learning about the challenges around behaviour and around inclusion, it is just really beneficial to get that hands on experience.”
David, who worked as parliamentary aide to Alison Thewliss before he was elected, started his work experience last week and tried his different jobs each day.
He explained he got the chance to understand the challenges faced by the workers in each of the roles he tried.
He said: “I got an insight into some of the challenges the firefighters face, for example. They carry a huge amount of equipment on them and I was struck by the fact they just run into fires. It is only when you are standing in the fire station with all the equipment that you realise the sacrifice they make and the bravery they show.”
He added: “It is really important to get out there and see what people are doing first-hand. It was just fantastic to role my sleeves up and get my hands dirty.
“I am buzzing after having a great week. It is great not just to be in parliament sitting on those dusty green benches and watching politicians arguing with each other but to be out there in the community in people’s shoes.”
David plans to take part in another In Your Shoes Week and wants his constituents to send him ideas. You can tweet him @DavidLinden