Working for an MP

Whether working at the heart of political action in Westminster, or from a constituency office, you have a chance to make a real difference working for an MP

What is an MP?

A member of parliament (MP) is a person who is elected to represent the interests and concerns of people living in their local constituency by taking up a seat in the House of Commons. There are 650 MPs in the UK, one from each constituency.

They split their time between their local constituency and parliament in Westminster and are responsible for voting on new laws and legislation, attending debates and campaigning on the key issues that people feel most passionately about.

What do MPs do?

When attending sessions in Parliament MPs:

• raise and discuss issues affecting their local constituents
• attend and participate in debates
• vote on new laws
• sit in on committee meetings.

From their constituency office MPs usually:

• run 'surgeries' where they offer advice and support to local people who come along to discuss their concerns
• attend meetings and conferences
• liaise with the media
• drum up support by visiting local business, schools etc.

Why work for an MP?

Political issues are often at the front and centre of news bulletins, and the unpredictability of the political landscape means every day will bring new challenges and obstacles to overcome.

If you feel passionate about a political party, as the majority of those in politics often do, you'll experience a great deal of job satisfaction seeing plans and policies put into action that you've helped to bring together.

Working for an MP is also a great way to build both political connections and networks within your local constituency.

What jobs are available?

When it comes to political jobs, MPs typically hire a team of people, rather than a single assistant. The team is usually split between the MP's constituency office, for the purpose of meeting constituency members, and the national political offices in Westminster. However, as MPs hire their staff directly, the structure of their teams, whether they hire full or part-time staff and where their team is based, can vary.

In your role as an MP's assistant, also known as a politicians assistant, you'll be essential to the smooth running of campaigns and events, while implementing change that will have a real effect on the day-to-day lives of those within your constituency, if you work in local government - or on a national scale if you're employed in Westminster.

Tasks include general office and administrative duties, research, liaising with government officials, the media and constituents and attending public and private functions alongside, or in place of the MP.

Working as an MP's assistant is often the first step in a political career. If you're working in local government, moving to parliament may be your next career move. The skills and experience you'll gain could see you working for more high-profile politicians, working internationally or embarking on your own political career.

Parliament jobs in Westminster are more directly related to assisting MPs with their workload. Titles you could be hired under include parliamentary researcher, parliamentary secretary and parliamentary assistant, each with their own set of responsibilities.

However, in general, tasks may include:

• keeping your MP up to date on key issues and policy developments
• drafting and writing speeches, articles and correspondence
• overseeing media coverage of your MP
• liaising with the constituency office team on local and national issues
• general diary management.

As a caseworker in a constituency office your remit is slightly narrower as you focus specifically on the day-to-day support that an MP can offer to their constituents, and involves you helping individuals by providing advice and support on issues such as:

• asylum
• immigration
• child support
• housing
• benefits.

It's your job as a caseworker to log, action and respond to these requests in a timely manner.

What qualifications do I need to work for an MP?

You'll need a degree to work for an MP. While the role is open to all graduates, a degree in a related subject, such as law, politics or social policy will be useful. Your classification isn't essential, as in this field a first-class degree won't put you ahead of other candidates.

A postgraduate qualification is by no means essential but if your first degree was in an unrelated subject, you could consider a Masters degree in politics to deepen your understanding, expand your professional network and demonstrate your passion for the field.

However, more important than your degree subject and its classification is your work experience and enthusiasm. To get a job working for an MP highlight any prior experience of shadowing an MP or completing a work placement in local government.

Don't worry if you haven't had the opportunity to gain relevant work experience or land a political internship. You could impress employers by getting involved in your university's student elections or sharing your knowledge of, and passion for, politics online. This could be through a blog, vlog or podcast.

What skills do I need to hone?

To get into politics you'll need a well-developed skillset, including:

• the ability to cope in high-pressure situations
• adaptability at short notice
• attention to detail
• analytical and research skills
• excellent written and verbal communication
• strong interpersonal skills and a healthy degree of confidence
• tact
• IT literacy
• high levels of organisation, including the ability to multitask
• firm but fair debating skills.

How do I apply to work for my local MP?

Search for MP assistant vacancies at:

• The Guardian - Parliament Jobs
• Jobsgopublic - local government jobs
• UK Parliament - Job vacancies
• w4mpjobs

Local government websites display opportunities within constituencies.

Alternatively,Ìýpolitical party websites display vacancies for positions available nationwide.

However, many roles are filled via word-of-mouth, or through existing MP assistants moving positions, so won't be advertised to the general public.

If there's a particular local MP or party you'd like to work for, consider sending a speculative application to show your interest.

In your application, explain why you'd like to work for your local MP in this particular position. Show that you're familiar with the MP's policies and beliefs, and what you could bring to their party.

Find out more about the policies and work of different MPs in the House of Commons by visiting UK Parliament - MPs and Lords,ÌýTheyWorkForYou or local government websites.

You're more likely to be offered work if you can demonstrate a real connection and so approaching the MP of the constituency you live in is a good starting point.

There are a number of ways you can contact your local MP: you can write, call or email. For information on phone numbers and postal and email address see UK Parliament - Contact your MP. You can also follow MPs on social media and interact in this way but to enquire about, and apply for jobs, one of the more formal methods would be best.

How do I become an MP?

If you're contemplating getting into politics by becoming an MP, you'll require a strong understanding of both local and national issues while having a knowledge of current affairs.

To be eligible to stand, you must be:

• aged 18 or over
• a British citizen, Commonwealth country citizen or from the Republic of Ireland
• nominated by at least ten parliamentary electors of the constituency where you'll be hoping to be elected.

In addition to the above, you'll need to place a £500 deposit when you submit the documents for nomination. This fee is returned if you receive more than 5% of the total votes.

Some people may be disqualified from becoming an MP. For more information, see UK Parliament - Who can stand as an MP? as well as guidance for candidates from The Electoral Commission.

The first thing you'll need to do on your path to becoming an MP is decide which political party's values most closely match your own.

While you can stand as an independent candidate, by joining a political party as a member (for a small monthly or annual fee), you’ll get support and a platform for becoming an MP.

At this point, you'll be given access to opportunities for campaigning, can attend the party conference and will be given a voice in shaping the policies of the party. As well as online resources to aid you in your quest to become an MP, you'll also be given the chance to apply for candidate training - where you'll acquire the skills and experience required to stand as a party candidate.

When you're ready, you can state your intentions through your local party office or its national register and seek party approval. Although references are typically required to demonstrate your personal and professional capabilities, there's no expected route to becoming an MP and so you'll be judged on your own merits.

Once you've been selected as a candidate, you'll get plenty of campaign support from your party. However, you'll also be expected to dedicate your own time to fundraising initiatives, which may take place in public as well as online. You'll attend meetings, deliver speeches and will need to be proactive in discussing your proposed policies with the local media.

There are rules to follow in terms of accepting donations, spending money and claiming expenses. See the Information Commissioner's Office's (ICO) Guidance on political campaigning.

If you're a recent graduate don't let your age get in the way of your political ambitions. In 2023 Keir Mather was elected as the Labour MP for Selby and Ainsty, making him parliament's youngest MP at the age of 25.

Find out more

• Search graduate jobs in public services and administration.
• Discover the skills you'll need for a successful career in public services.
• Read about what else you can do with a degree in politics.