‘I’m proud to represent the place I love...’
IT’S a year since Thelma Walker was elected as the MP for Colne Valley when she defeated Tory Jason McCartney to win the seat in the shock election which lost the Conservatives their overall majority. Here she gives a detailed insight into life as an MP.
4.29am on Friday, June 9, will forever be etched on my mind.
After being awake for nearly 24 hours, the Returning Officer gathered the candidates and our agents together to announce the result of the election.
4.30am came and my life changed forever. I was now the Member of Parliament for my local area, representing the residents of the constituency in which I had been teacher and headteacher for 34 years, where I had raised my children and where my husband and I love to live.
A year on, and reflecting on what I have learned and achieved is incredible. Being an MP is often a seven days a week occupation, although I am encouraged by my staff to take a day off now and again. You respond to emails at all hours, speak to constituents about issues while you’re doing the weekly shop or attend fantastic and worthwhile community events and festivals.
It has been a steep learning curve for myself and my family, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. One of the wonderful things about being an MP is that every day is different, each bringing new challenges and opportunities to advocate for my constituents. One day you can be attending a village fete, the next you can be in Downing Street at a reception celebrating the work of outstanding teachers. You never really know what’s around the corner.
On a typical day I am up by 6am and start the day by checking emails, reviewing upcoming meetings and events and reading relevant committee papers. When I arrive in Parliament I meet with my team to discuss the day, prepare for parliamentary business and review any urgent work.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays the Education Committee holds evidence sessions, meetings or accountability hearings with Government Ministers or bodies. Currently, the committee is running inquiries on areas including ‘School and college funding’ and ‘Special educational needs and disabilities.’
On each day from Monday to Thursday, there are oral question sessions to government departments held in the Chamber where backbench MPs have the opportunity to challenge ministers on specific areas.
Frequently, the Speaker will grant an urgent question which can last from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, and can be tabled on a wide range of issues. I meet again with my office at midday to catchup on the morning’s events and any work that has come in.
In the afternoon there are often several drop-in events where I can lend my support to worthwhile causes and I also have meetings with colleagues to discuss constituency issues and ideas.
Business in the Chamber and Westminster Hall varies daily,