I think there are probably accommodation and administrative shortages that need funding. The bigger issue for me is that we have stop start policies such as this funding of centres combined with spending on culture war fantasies which then defund actual and meaningful support.
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I agree almost completely, the phrase âMP X (writing in the times) has said etc etc etcâ does boil my piss. However, take me as an example. Iâve built 2 businesses up. Theyâre yet to buy me a life of champagne and Bentleys but at some point they might actually start to pay the mortgage. So I wouldnât be able to be an MP. OK insert easy gag here, itâs an open goal. But Iâm sure you get the point. I couldnât do both but I would not want to surrender control of either. Transferring it all to Mrs would just end up splashed across the papers when discovered.
Tricky as you want people in the government who have experience of business.
Well this is clearly what should be happening but the entire political system resists it.
But thatâs the the point. Being an MP should be a calling. You should be driven and committed to the idea of public service and representing your constituents. If you fancy being an MP, but you are umming and arring about giving up your businesses, then you shouldnât be an MP.
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I donât see what that has got to do with straight forward Yes or No answers!
With no experience of the world and work? Ever met a teacher? Not a clue about the real world of work.
A person with a first from Oxford in political science who spends all spare time in debating societies and goes straight into politics creates exactly the problem we have.
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No. But becoming an MP should mean that you are going to commit to that role 100%, and there should be no room in you life to be running multiple businesses (thatâs before we even get on to the massive conflict of interest it would represent)
I still find it baffling that MPs donât have to attend Parliament. Thatâs just the bare minimum of the job. Fucking turn up. Be there.
There should be an automatic right to recall for any MP failing to attend less than a set threshold of debates.
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Yeah, but thatâs not the issue Iâm getting at.
The âstraight out of Oxfordâ MP culture is a problem because they see being an MP/Minister as something they need to do to open the right door for the career in the Private Sectir they really want.
The ideal MP should be someone who has spent time in work, joined a political party, and worked their way to selection for a seat through putting the campaigning miles in.
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A good read which explores what Mascot and Klopptimist are talking about (unusually civilly , lol ) is Jeremy Paxmanâs book (his first I think) from 20yrs ago , The Political Animal.
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I once asked my aunt about that (MP) she showed me her diary. She was in the shadow cabinet at the time. It was ridiculously full. 8am-8pm every day (ish, you get the idea). A lot of it on the train marked as dealing with correspondence time. Days before mobiles and emails.
Think about this. How many members are on here? How many post in this thread? Small percentage. You and I probably the most. Neither of us have ever stood for parliament. Iâve actually been asked but declined. Donât think there are enough people who wish to do it for altruistic reasons. Iâm sure some do it as they want to help, improve and serve the community. I know a serving MP, the salary was a hell of a reason they went for it. You have to pay the bills. Unless of course youâre already wealthy in which case you probably have business interests.
Sunak currently talking to NHS staff in the North East , like one would speak to primary school children. I canât believe he hasnât been given a roasting yet. (Hand picked questioners perhaps ?)
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Here is one area that I have real problems with the public sector recruiting consultants from the private sector.
ÂŁ70m for what amounts to a feasibility study is a piss take. In the same way that Boris spaffed ÂŁ50m or so on a bridge to Ireland.
It should not cost that much.
For context ÂŁ50m equates to 50,000 man hours for an engineer at ÂŁ100/hour. Thatâs 25 years of work.
Seriously?
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Not a realistic proposition for the majority of them though is it?
Becoming a junior MP is probably a second form of income for a lot of them, but the chance to get themselves in the âlook what Iâm doing to help everyoneâ spotlight.
The more exposure they get as an MP, has a knock on effect of enhancing their primary income.
Job done.
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Iâd argue that an educated professional wouldnât have the time. My neighbour is a solicitor. Does 10 hour days 6 days a week. Mrs was a Head Teacher. I know doctors. None of them could consider the time required to even stand. Look at our MP. Looks like a monkey whoâs been put in a suit and strategically shaved and having spoken to him many times, heâs NOT been to Oxford. Doubt he passed primary school. Lifelong councillor (his only job) and now in Westminster. Heâs exactly what you donât want but he does have a heart of gold and goes above and beyond for the people in his constituency. Not with any progress, impact or result though. Nice guy, does it for the locals, really tries. Would make a great shelf stacker.
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Ever wonder why so many MPs own or have businesses as a consultant.
See my post above.
Local councillors spend ages round here on litter picks in high vis jackets with their names on the back. Look at what Iâm doingâŚâŚ.
Straightforward basic corruption. But one of them could own a bakers? As an example.
So , they still have loads of dough 
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Same as the covid procurement scandal. The fast tracking of oodles of cash into Tory donorâs pockets.
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