My DP is a politician. AMA

[Every1fed]

As title says.

I have wanted to do this for ages but haven't because of elections and fears of staying anonymous. Have created a new account.

Happy to answer anything other than things that may be outing.

Ask away........

It is a thankless task. And most do choose the career to do good. My dad stood for the local Council - many, many years ago. He was passionate about what he believed and was likely to go far. He would have loved to have been an MP. A family tragedy put paid to a career in politics though but he always worked on a voluntary basis for the party he supported.

@MaudBaileysGreenTurban and @TheSheepofWallSt

I suppose if you really wanted too you could figure it out as the list is factually correct. However I don't believe I have given away any information that I would be happy to share if someone in the street asked!

@SchrodingersBrexit

No- I never really think that. If feels normal.

Food banks? Universal credit? Pip assessments? Disability benefits? Does he care for his fellow man/woman and their suffering?

I have a question - does he feel he has any power? Does his lack of decision making power frustrate him?

I’ve always thought backbench MPs are in an impossible situation as people hold them accountable for decisions yet they have no decision making power at all beyond being one of 640 votes in the House. Only ministers make decisions and yet few voters seem to realise that.

How much does his work life interfere with family life?

@ArchieTheRegalDog

Yes, very much so. There is a couple of posts above from people who have relatives or involvements with politics. The reality is very different from how things are portrayed in the media, and a certain select few can give a bad name to all (as with most industries). The ultimate reason he followed this path was to do good and to be a part of something that makes life better for others.

How that is done and the way to go about it is always up for debate, but that is the bottom line.

@SlidingDoor

Great question.

And yes, at time it feels like that. However, a vote is a vote. Whether it is by an MP or a member of the public at elections. It is still contribution.

Aside from that there is continuous casework from constituents, where a lot of the time you are making a dramatic difference to them personal and the area you represent.

Of course, been vilified for something totally beyond your control is frustrating and constant. But ultimately, I think good outweighs the bad feelings.

@Still18atheart

Somewhat.

Things like recess and time after elections often means family time can be made up for the weeks where it is normally non existent.

However, I always say that it is similar to families where the main financial provider is a farmer, pilot, banker etc. There are times where sacrifices have to be made and work life balance is not exactly balanced. It impacts certainly, but no more than many other job roles.

Do you ever worry about a ‘scandal’ involving your family landing in the press?

@VanillaCoconutDove

I am certainly careful about what I put on social media etc. I have been careful with this thread and although have answered 100% honestly- have not said anything that I would not happily tell a member of the press (if they were interested!)

We lead a very regular and mundane life in reality, so I don't tend to worry about it on the whole.

Although, we do joke about silly things and how it could be interpreted should there be a "slow news day".

Mm I was thinking something like an affair, or an accusation of bribery etc. Something no one plans to happen to them, and especially doesn’t plan to be turned into news for all their neighbours, family, friends to read about.

@VanillaCoconutDove

Not really know. I don't think it is healthy to think I like that really. It would certainly drive me crazy.

I guess if something was to go drastically wrong like that the fall out would be as expected.

I find it easier than most spouses in this I guess as we have done the journey together and had a fairly "normal" life before the career he has now. Maybe that is why I don't feel the risk of scandal as a constant threat.

When he was selected, was he against any women in the final short list?

Did he have an open primary or any kind of public hustings? Did you attend? Did you think he had an advantage being a man (if he was against any women)?

Do you agree with your DPs views? Do you ever argue or discuss policy with him? Does he ever have any issues voting with his party and if so does he discuss them with you?

How frustrated does he get when he has to compromise his personal views to toe the party line? Has he ever gone rogue on a vote?

Does he tell you funny bits of gossip about the 'big beasts' in the cabinet/news?

Do you think MPs are misunderstood? They don't exactly have a great reputation at the moment. Most people in the country seem to feel that MPs are letting them down, whether they voted leave or remain.

Thank you for your reply op. I'm pleased to hear that.