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Original poster

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

123 replies

Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:07

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

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Andsoitbeganagain · 01/12/2025 19:44

Are you one of the "help" that mps use to call people up for their own personal tasks and then get abusive when you're reminded gdpr applies to mps too...and then use parliamentary stationery to complain?

RobustPastry · 01/12/2025 19:44

How come you’ve worked for two MPs and working in Westminster for years? Being an MP’s researcher is often seen as a poorly paid means to an end type of job for (often young) people to gain Parliamentary experience on their CV and then move on to something else using that experience in whatever field they work in next. I don’t understand what your role is can you tell us more about it and what your day to day involves?

Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:45

Procrastinatingpeacock · 01/12/2025 19:25

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.

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Obviously I can only talk about my own experiences. Recess is circ. 15 weeks. I have yet to meet an MP who works full time during recess. Obviously, Ministers, Shadow and the with portfolios have a bigger workload than a sleepy backwater MP

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FriNightBlues · 01/12/2025 19:46

Do you agree that politics is showbiz for ugly people?

GeneralPeter · 01/12/2025 19:46

Thanks for answering. A few more if I may…

Should we abolish PMQs?

Is there any realistic alternative to the whip system? (ie voting the party line almost always)

Should we have PR?

Should MPs have budgets for much bigger staffs?

Why is Starmer seemingly finding it so hard to stick to his policy agenda despite a large majority?

Are any party’s MPs nicer/nastier?

HobnobsChoice · 01/12/2025 19:48

RobustPastry · 01/12/2025 19:29

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

I was thinking the same but then checked with a friend of mine who works for a backbencher. I thought he was a Parliamentary Assistant but nope he is chief of staff for a 2024 intake MP. Said MP is on a couple of committees and is a PPS but considering there's only 3 other staff employed by MP it does sound a bit silly.
And my friend has seen House of Cards (both original and Netflix) so I know you're not him

NeverDropYourMooncup · 01/12/2025 19:48

Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:27

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.

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How does the expectation of discretion and impartiality extend to spreading rumours online about somebody in the party that is in power? You've said minister, after all.

Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:49

IdaGlossop · 01/12/2025 19:33

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

Absolutely. And a few women that are known to be quite "handsy"

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Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:52

CoraLea · 01/12/2025 19:38

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

Sometimes I absolutely do. I see my role very much as a public servant, trying to ensure that constituents get a fair deal and the help and support they need while holding the MP to account morally.

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SumUp · 01/12/2025 19:53

Is it as tribal in Parliament as it appears on PMQs, or is there a lot more cross party collaboration than the public realises?

Are there any long serving MPs who command respect across the political spectrum?

What frustrates you about your role? Did you see the same issues crop up again and again?

Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:56

RobustPastry · 01/12/2025 19:44

How come you’ve worked for two MPs and working in Westminster for years? Being an MP’s researcher is often seen as a poorly paid means to an end type of job for (often young) people to gain Parliamentary experience on their CV and then move on to something else using that experience in whatever field they work in next. I don’t understand what your role is can you tell us more about it and what your day to day involves?

I didn't say how many MPs I have worked for. I enjoy my role as it is varied and interesting. I write speeches, articles, do research, meet really interesting experts and hear from people who are very passionate about their cause. The less interesting bits are HR and finance. I read about 1,000 emails per week. You learn a little about a lot.

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Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:57

FriNightBlues · 01/12/2025 19:46

Do you agree that politics is showbiz for ugly people?

I love this and will be sharing with my colleagues and MP tomorrow 😂

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Parsley4321 · 01/12/2025 19:59

Do opposition mps get on would Reeves have a drink with Kemi Badenoch

Longtalljosie · 01/12/2025 20:02

There are "rumors" are there? And you’ve never heard the showbiz for ugly people? And you think an MP out visiting schools isn’t really working? Fascinating. I’ve met a lot of people in Westminster and your take is singular. As is your spelling in a workplace so beset by grammatical pedantry.

AnneKipankitoo · 01/12/2025 20:04

What do you think of the calibre of people Westminster is attracting to be its MPs ?

RobustPastry · 01/12/2025 20:04

OP you implied you’d worked for 2 MPs up thread by saying ‘my first MP’, ‘my second MP’ Hmm

Euphesia · 01/12/2025 20:07

Are Westminster civil servants really as toxic as is suggested (by the media and others).

Do you have much contact with Downing St civil servants who also sound toxic?

TheAutumnCrow · 01/12/2025 20:08

Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 19:07

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

Nah ye isnae

Nah ye didnae

Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 20:10

SumUp · 01/12/2025 19:53

Is it as tribal in Parliament as it appears on PMQs, or is there a lot more cross party collaboration than the public realises?

Are there any long serving MPs who command respect across the political spectrum?

What frustrates you about your role? Did you see the same issues crop up again and again?

It is very tribal in the Chamber. Disappointingly few MPs vote with their conscience. Most do as they are told. This is called whipping. But as I said earlier, some things are too important to vote tribally. These are know as free votes.

All committees etc will have members from all sides, so it can be collaborative.

MPs on all sides command respect. Particularly those who have served long terms, or have an impressive background such as the military.

Politics in general frustrates me. Everything is done to gain votes. That is the driving force for all sides. To stay in power as long as possible and keep the others out. Fundamentally, politics in the UK is very close. The two main parties are more center than left and right. But that is just my opinion.

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Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 20:11

Longtalljosie · 01/12/2025 20:02

There are "rumors" are there? And you’ve never heard the showbiz for ugly people? And you think an MP out visiting schools isn’t really working? Fascinating. I’ve met a lot of people in Westminster and your take is singular. As is your spelling in a workplace so beset by grammatical pedantry.

As I said, it is only my experience. And as for my spelling and grammar, it's outside working hours so I think I am ok 😁

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Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 20:14

Parsley4321 · 01/12/2025 19:59

Do opposition mps get on would Reeves have a drink with Kemi Badenoch

Edited

Opposition MPs do get on, and have respect for each other. I am not sure about those two though.

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Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 20:16

AnneKipankitoo · 01/12/2025 20:04

What do you think of the calibre of people Westminster is attracting to be its MPs ?

I would encourage anyone with a passion for politics to get involved. Nothing changes unless we make it change. It is the foundation of democracy.

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RobustPastry · 01/12/2025 20:19

MPs on all sides command respect. Particularly those who have served long terms, or have an impressive background such as the military.

This isn’t true at all

Poms · 01/12/2025 20:22

I can’t believe anyone is going along with this.

Original poster
Mytinhatison · 01/12/2025 20:25

Poms · 01/12/2025 20:22

I can’t believe anyone is going along with this.

I have nothing to gain.. obviously I am not going to give my name or MP.

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