The most common
term I have heard to describe a Member of Parliament [MP] is ‘elected
representative to Parliament’. However, is this accurate? I have
also heard them described as delegates, so let’s examine both
terms.
Elected
Representative. The most common interpretation. Chosen by the
electorate of the constituency to represent their views during
debates in Parliamentary sessions. However this would entail every MP
canvassing the electorate on every issue, and the electorate
being fully informed on the issue to form a view. The most common
example of an MP actually performing as a direct representative
is the televised scene we have probably all seen where an MP asks
something along the lines of ‘Can the Home Secretary assure me that
she will investigate this issue on behalf of my constituent John
Smith?’ However this is not by any means the whole picture.
Delegate. Chosen
by the electorate to participate in debates on their behalf.
In this context the electorate does not need to be fully informed on
the subject. The MP is trusted to evaluate the available evidence and
make a decision based both on it and on any relevant impact it
may have on their constituency. For example a third runway at
Heathrow; an MP from out of the area may vote on economic or
environmental grounds, however an MP whose constituency would lie
under the new flightpath ought to take this into consideration.
An MP then is
both elected representative and delegate, depending on circumstances.
However, both functions share one common aspect; whether the MP is
acting as representative of an individual, or delegate of the entire
constituency their decision is supposed to be for the benefit of
their constituents.
More broadly
their actions are supposed to be for the good of the country.
Indeed as MPs they have a duty to act for the good of the
country. Regrettably in the UK this faces two hurdles;
The Party Whip.
This official’s function is in essence counter to that of the MPs.
Whilst the MP is as above elected to act on behalf of their
constituents, the Party Whips’ job is to make sure they act on
behalf of the party leadership, in accordance with party policy. The
two may coincide, but equally they may not, at which point, in my
opinion, democracy ceases to function.
The second hurdle
is the Party Leadership themselves. Whilst on some issues they may
not enforce a Whipped vote, in others they may take a firmer tone,
such as a ‘Three Line Whip’. This is where MPs are not merely
expected to vote in accordance with party policy, but are ordered
to do so and will face sanction if they disobey. In such cases MPs
have a stark choice; bow to pressure from the Party Leadership, or do
their duty and vote for the good of the country.
We can only hope
that more do their duty than bow to pressure.
