WESTMINSTER ELECTION – LEICESTER EAST

An MP’s Duties

The vast majority of MPs represent a political party and its manifesto. Unless they rebel they vote in support of their party, but on many issues they have a free vote. To a great extent their success at the polls reflects the popularity and public charisma of their party leader.

Members of Parliament do not have a formal job description. They are accountable to their constituents who can choose not to re-elect them if they do not believe that they, or their party, is doing a good enough job for them.

The key election issues include: Jobs, Prices, Wages, Immigration, NHS, the Economy, Education, and the Environment.

The current MP is Keith Vaz (Lab). At the last election there were seven candidates.