MPs – Elected Representatives or Delegates?

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.