Another extremely important part of the representative role of an MP is to redress grievances of the MP’s constituency. They are expected to meet with local pressure groups and businesses, visit local schools and hospitals. Therefore they should know the problems within their constituency for real. Therefore, these examples highlight the importance of a representative MP because politics itself, does not solely involve people in power suits running their countries.
However a problem with representation is that the MPs do not know who to represent; the party? The people? Or Themselves?
Most Mps use their own conscience and are loyal to the carry to carry out the three models; The Trustee Model, The Delegate Model and the Mandate Model. These models mean that the MP seems to have a strong party focus by which they represent their constituency.
Also as the governing party has the majority of MPs in parliament, this will allow them to dominate. Mps will all bend backwards in order to please their government, due to prospects of climbing the career ladder. The party has been described as an MP‘s “life support system” as it’s their ticket into government, and a career in politics. These MP’s loyally support their party, even if it means suppressing their own personal views or ignoring the views of their constituents.
The role of the watchdog comes in when there are disadvantages of the representative role of an MP. Traditionally, MPs within Parliament have had the role of holding government accountable through various debates, committees, question time and voting. This is crucial to avoid a corrupt government. Debates will force the government to explain and defend its policies and allow MPs to express dissenting views, this happened in the debate over the war in Iraq. The outcome of debates are generally predictable, as voting at the end of debates is usually whipped. Question time also forces the government to explain its policies, and Mps can catch ministers off guard with supplementary questions. Select committees also help to scrutinize the government as they enhance their critical capacity by making them more specialised. This specialised knowledge allows for select committees to have a deterrence value. Therefore, this aids MPs to influence government policies. Therefore, role of the watchdog comes in second in weighting when discussing which role of MP is important.
An MP is not only a representative, a watchdog but a legislator. For a bill to become an Act of Parliament, it must be passed through the House of Commons. As a result, MPS have total power over legislation. This role of MPs are highly criticised due to the executive domination. Hence, it profusely undermines M.P.'s ability to carry out their legislative role effectively. Although it is argued that MPs can draft their own Private Members Bills, these bills often too controversial. Moreover, the lack of governmental support, time and the use of hostile tactics accentuate failure in passing the Private Members Bills. Many MPs waste their time filibustering to prevent a vote from being taken and the government can also easily disapprove through the whip system.
In conclusion, it is agreeable that the main function of an MP is to represent. The UK constitution cannot operate effectively if one role of an MP is omitted. Ranking them in priority, the representative role will be first due to the fact that democracy plays an important part in British politics. The equal right of the public is a controversial issue and hence, the only fair way for the public to be heard is by MPs representing both their interest and grievances. Next in priority will be the role of a watchdog because scrutiny prevents corruption and promotes transparency.
