New MPs: What they can expect in their first weeks

After the General Election, some new MPs will be entering the House of Commons to formally start their new roles. These newcomers will encounter the challenge of a new demanding job  and some specific circumstances that come with their new position in Westminster. 

When stablishing contact with these new MPs, some factors should be taken into consideration.

Many MPs may feel overloaded with information as they began to get to grips with their work in Parliament.

In terms of desk and office equipment they will all get a laptop, however in most of cases no other equipment, furniture or telephones are made available. MPs may be required to ‘hot-desk’ within committee rooms or others parts of the Estate, meaning that they often have to keep all papers and personal belongings in lockers. MPs receive an enormous amount of information during their first few weeks, so it is feasible that some papers or communications may get mislaid or lost.

Regarding phone calls, some MPs might divert calls to a voicemail until they receive their permanent office.

MPs receive thousands of emails a week, with many emails being generated from national online campaign tools. Some MPs have raised concerns that often their inboxes are unsustainable.

About 50% of the communications received by MPs is done by email and this percentage can even be higher in the first few months as various stakeholders and constituents seek to secure a relationship with their newest representatives. As a result, mass mailings will not get their attention.

When preparing communication plans it is worth considering alternative methods such as individual letters and the use of social media. Making things relevant to a new MP’s existing knowledge and constituency will definitely have a bigger impact.

Study found that new MPs initially expect a 60-hour week (plus eight hours travel) but six months on they were working a 69-hour week and split their working time 63 percent in Westminster and 37 percent in their constituencies.

MPs are all different and they all approach their roles in a unique manner. That is why is it important to get to know how particular MPs prefer to work in order to best apply an engagement strategy, whether with new MPs or long-standing returnees.

For more information on how to reach your local MP please see Parliament Guide Notes 

The BPF will announce its updated political engagement campaign in the coming weeks. To see the latest campaign and further information on how to contact your local MP please click here