I'm Chief of Staff for a Member of Parliament - AMA

[Mytinhatison]

So, name change for this one obviously. I won't declare which party. It doesn't matter. I've been based in Westminster for years and have seen many come and go... Ask away

Should I trust my MP? Do you trust your MP?

Would you share your career path that lead to this role? Im currently at university and really interested in the parliamentary stream of the civil service- would love to hear more about your experiences

Do they work really hard or does it seem like a cushty number?

My first MP did the job because he genuinely wanted to help, my second MP just wants the job title and doesn't give a shit. Trust would depend on the issue.

How do your employers feel about staff posting on social media

What's the most outrageous thing you've ever seen or heard an MP saying or doing when they thought nobody was looking? You can change it a bit to try and be less outing?

Thank you!

Do you wish it was like house of cards

Again, some work harder than others. The real give away is what they do in the constituency. If it is just shaking hands and visiting schools, then no they are not working hard! No doubt that it can be a cushty number for some. Recess - when Parliament is shut - is line with private schools!

What are the biggest misconceptions about MPs?

What works well and badly about parliament?

What the best ways for members of the public to influence policy?

How to choose which candidate to vote for?

How much should MPs earn?

Discretion should always be advised

Actually, a friend recommended me so I didn't go the tradition route. I would suggest that you do work experience with your MP or party. That is the best way to get a foot in the door.

MPs are scathing about parts of their constituencies and I understand that cocaine is very popular. Nothing too shocking apart from who is having an affair with whom.

I've never seen it?

Are you attached to a role, or to an MP eg are you chief of staff for (eg) the chancellor and would stay even if the chancellor changed. Or are you attached to the person so would stay with them if they moved eg from the home office to the foreign office

You must! The original one of course.

Biggest misconception is that MPs know what they are doing. They are put in charge of departments they have no expertise in. Civil servants are way more powerful. MPs have very little actual power and influence.

What works well is that MPs and staff get along, no matter what party and when it really matters, party politics are put to one side.

MP pay is by an independent decision. It is hard, but they need to be paid well to attract the right people. Politics should not be limited to those who can afford it.

I would vote for whom you most agree with as an individual. I don't see any real way to influence policy as an individual. Mass protest gets attention, an individual moan does not.

Thank you. Yeah I can imagine them being snobby about some working class people?

What percentage of MPs do you think are unfaithful to to their partner?

And what percent have cocaine problems?

Sorry, couple more follow on ones there! X

I am attached to a person. It is the most odd experience, heading into an election not knowing whether I would have a job the next day through absolutely no fault of my own.

Hmmm I also work in Parliament and it's not true that recess is aligned with private school holidays. Except for Conference recess it is almost perfectly aligned with state school holidays.

I've worked fairly closely with about 30 MPs over the years and they all work long hours and have next to no work-life balance. And the levels of abuse that female MPs in particular receive is just insane. I honestly don't know why anyone would want to do it for an easy life.

Infidelity is commonplace. Apparently wealth and supposed influence are attractive qualities to some people 😂

There is no drug testing here among MPs or staff. I would say that stimulant use is common place. There are strong "rumors" about a current minister always being bright eyed and ready to go.

Who is the hardest working member of (our current) parliament?

Omg!

I was about to ask how much illegal activity you witness and if youve ever been involved in a murder.

‘Chief of staff’? Are you working for a minister. Normal backbench MPs don’t have enough staff to need a Chief of Staff.

Is the Parliamentary estate really awash with men who don't know how to keep their hands (and worse) to themselves?

Do you feel embarrassed to be associated with such shower of shites?