Your MP is human too

Being an MP is an incredibly difficult job. There are the long debates, often, sadly, with a near-empty chamber. And the rise of social media has created a new burden, especially for women politicians: it’s an arena where anyone and everyone is free to let you know just how much they despise you.

For MPs based outside of London, but even for those in London, there are long periods of time away from loved ones. Alongside the demands of the job at Westminster, there’s also constituency work as well. Not to mention constant campaigning, assisting colleagues and the expectation that you’ll be a good party player.

When it comes to Parliament itself, you’re expected to contribute to big national bills. At the moment, there’s legislation on animal welfare, levelling up, cyber security, national security, and the economy. There are various debates and tons of complicated procedures to keep abreast of. MPs need to stay on top of all this and demonstrate that they are competent to colleagues and constituents alike. We seem to expect our MPs to be experts in everything!

Of course, being an MP is also an immense privilege! To represent constituents and to participate in law making is an honour. And there are perks as well. You get to work in a historic setting, you get invited to all sorts of interesting meetings and events and for some, there’s the chance of promotion as well. This is often the focus of public conversation on MPs – the ‘elites’ – without much reference to the demands of politics as a profession.

Being aware of all this is helpful when we come to interact with our own MPs. Our starting point must be to recognise them as human beings, made in God’s image who have a huge burden of responsibility on their shoulders. We may not like their views, or agree with all they do. But that shouldn’t stop us engaging where we can, with respect, and with thanks for the good they do..

It’s good for us to know and appreciate the unique pressures that come with being an MP. And if the pressures above exist for all MPs, how much more so for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are working in politics! Alongside the demands above, there’s the extra pressure of feeling out of step at a fundamental level with, perhaps, many of their colleagues. There’s the pressure of representing Christ, first and foremost, as His ambassadors in the corridors of power. There will be a myriad of votes and decisions where it might not be immediately apparent or obvious what the right thing to do is. Like all MPs, they too face the pressure of being absent from their families and unable to be as involved in local church life as well.

Many Christian MPs take on hugely controversial issues. Whether it’s trans ideology, or abortion and assisted suicide, they speak out even if they’d rather stay quiet. One of the great privileges I have in working for CARE is getting to see the work of Christian MPs up close and see how hard they work and their heart and passion to represent Christ.

I remember meeting one Christian brother in the House of Lords. I asked him what motivated him to go on in politics at an age when many had already retired. He simply pointed up and told me: ‘It’s all about Him’. Surely this is as good an encouragement as any to remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in the corridors of power.