- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- an understanding of society and culture
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- active listening skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You'll attend sessions in Parliament and:
- vote on new laws and policies
- raise constituents’ concerns with relevant ministers
- debate issues and raise questions
Outside Parliament, you'lltalk to businesses and schools about local, national and international issues; speak to the media; attend meetings and conferences; hold surgeries and advice sessions in your constituency
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
General elections are held every 5 years, so it can take a long time to be elected MP.
With experience, you may get the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities like chairing committees and moving into more senior positions like party whip or even party leader.
If your political party is in power, you could go from junior minister to minister and then cabinet minister. If your party is in opposition, you could be a spokesperson on certain issues or have responsibilities in a shadow cabinet.
You can find more advice about becoming an MP from UK Parliament.
