When I was writing my selection address before Christmas, I mulled over the election expenses and the effect on the public. It seemed to me, the shortcomings of some of the MPs increased the feeling of estrangement between the public and politics. I have often said that MPs are, in fact, employed by their electorate. So I thought, why not offer the opportunity for the public to ‘interview’ someone who wants to be an MP, much as an employer would taking on a new worker.
Well last Thursday (February 18) that idea became a reality when I held my first (of many throughout the constituency) ‘big interviews’ in Okehampton.
The idea is simple – I just ask the public to come and ask me anything they wish and I would answer honestly, with no sound bite and no speeches.
The result was a proper debate from topics ranging from transport to environment, there were questions on Europe, banking and of course what would happen if we had a hung parliament.
Of course, not everybody agreed with me or my party’s policies. But this gave people a chance to be heard and listened to, something I feel some politicians would do well to do. After all if I am privileged enough to be elected I will have about 65000 bosses, and I would need to make sure they get the opportunity to have their say.
In between the ‘big interviews’ (I hold one in the afternoon then again at the same venue in the evening) I nipped across the moors to Chudleigh where I joined Richard Younger Ross MP and his team as he did one of his many Parliamentary Surgeries.
It was a real insight into the issues that people need the intervention of a good local MP and it reminded me why and I expect most parliamentarians are drawn into politics, to make a difference. I hope to get the opportunity to do more surgeries soon, but first there is a by election to fight and every spare minute is spent canvassing and delivering in Yeo ward. I’ll let you know how that pans out next week.
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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