Politician

In England, politicians can be MPs (Members of Parliament), MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) or councillors. MPs are elected by the people in their local constituency to represent them in the House of Commons. MEPs are elected on a regional basis to serve in the European Parliament at Brussels and Strasbourg. Councillors are elected to serve on their local county, district, parish or community council.

The work of a politician includes:

• listening to constituents' questions and concerns and, where appropriate, taking up the issue with the relevant minister, department or organisation
• attending sittings in Parliament and committees
• debating and voting on new laws and policies
• studying reports and proposals.

Politicians usually work very long hours. The House of Commons often sits until late in the evening and many council and European meetings take place in the evenings. The job of an MP or MEP normally involves a great deal of travelling.

Earnings vary greatly from around £10,000 in allowances for a councillor to in excess of £145,000 for a senior parliamentary minister. Councillors, MPs and MEPs are also paid expenses.

Politicians should:

• be self-motivated, determined, persuasive and extremely resilient
• be excellent at communicating, debating, negotiating and making contacts
• be confident, decisive, resourceful and trustworthy
• have strong political and social beliefs.

There are more than 25,000 elected politicians in the UK, of whom the vast majority are local councillors. In some areas it is relatively easy to become a councillor but selection as an MP/MEP is extremely competitive. All of the major parties have rigorous application and assessment procedures. Candidates must also win an election.

All election candidates must be over 18 years of age but there are no minimum entry qualifications. Politicians require a strong commitment to a political party or ideal and 'grassroots' experience.

Most training is on the job and involves working alongside party whips and other experienced politicians. Politicians need to keep up to date with current affairs by reading journals, magazines and newspapers.

Politicians can progress to more senior positions in their party, taking on additional responsibilities such as chairing committees, becoming a party whip or even leading the party. Many politicians move on to other prominent positions in public life, commerce or industry.

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