Politician

Nov 2024

Career of the Month

Key Facts

Starter Salary

£33,300

Experienced Salary

£153,500

Working Hours

44 to 46 hours a week

Overview

Politicians can work for local or national government. They can be part-time councillors for parish, district and county councils or Members of Parliament (MPs) for national Government at Westminster, the Scottish Parliament or the Welsh or Northern Ireland Assemblies. Politicians take part in debates, vote on legislation and other matters and carry out committee work. MPs also have an important role in supporting members of their constituencies who have problems, including representing constituents' views to ministers. To do this they hold regular surgeries in their constituencies where people can talk to them in person. Whether in a council or in Parliament, politicians may be responsible for a particular office or department such as education, environment, transport, health or pensions; this brings its own caseload of work which can include deciding on policy. Politicians are excellent communicators, confident and decisive; they are able to work well under pressure.

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What it takes

What it takes:

legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
an understanding of society and culture
excellent verbal and written communication skills
analytical thinking and active listening skills
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
persistence and determination
the ability to use your initiative
ambition and a desire to succeed
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
an interest and knowledge of history
the ability to learn through your work
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
concentration skills

Other requirements:

To stand for election, you'll need to be nominated by at least 10 electors from the constituency you wish to represent. You must also pay a £500 deposit. This is returned to you if you get more than 5% of the total votes cast in your constituency.
Certain people are not allowed to stand as an MP, for example someone convicted of electoral fraud. You can check with the [Electoral Commission | https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent] for more information about this.

Restrictions:

be over 18 years of age
be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen

Day to day

Day to day:

You'll attend sessions in Parliament and:

vote on new laws and policies
raise constituents’ concerns with relevant ministers
debate issues and raise questions

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Requirements

You will need

Acceptable nationality status for this role

Academic and Vocational Notes

There is no set route and no minimum academic entry requirement to work in politics. Many people have worked in other areas before they move into this work. Most start out as volunteers who work for their chosen party at local level; others work in support roles for a specific politician or start as local councillors, before they apply to be parliamentary candidates. Work experience, work shadowing or an internship in Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh or Northern Ireland Assemblies are all useful for gaining experience and making initial contacts.