Revision Update: UK Politics: Exemplar Answer: MPs and their Constituents

To what extent do MPs represent their constituents?Since the election of “Blair's babes" in 1997, there has been an increased focus on the composition of the House of Commons (HoC) in terms of gender, age, race and class. More recently Osborne stated that “we are all in this together" but Miliband has been quick to draw attention to the privileged background of the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. Some argue that whilst the HoC does not mirror society, it cannot adequately represent it. Others would argue that MPs can still serve their constituents even if they come from a different background.

MPs cannot adequately represent their constituents due to the gender gap evident in the HoC. Labour's attempts to impose women only short lists and Cameron's A team list have only partially remedied the imbalance between the sexes. Although there is an upward trend with 22% of all MPs being women, this is a long way below the national average of over 50% for the population as a whole. This may mean that the issues debated in parliament may be less centred on family and child care issues.

MPs do not represent their constituents due to the educational background of MPs which can be linked to class. Cameron (MP for Whitney) went to private school, Clegg MP for Sheffield, to Westminster. In the Conservative party the number of Conservative MPs from private schools has fallen to 53% compared to the 6% who go to fee paying schools nationally. In the Labour party the figure was lower at 14%.

MPs are also unrepresentative of the racial composition of UK society. Notwithstanding the election of 3 Muslim women for the Labour party in 2010 with 16 MPs from black and ethnic minority groups and the Conservatives with 11, the numbers of clack and ethnic minority groups has doubled from 15 in 2005 to 27 in 2010.Those from a non-white background comprise 4% of the MPs compared to 8% in the population as a whole.

Whilst the HOC is not a microcosm of society that is not to say it cannot adequately represent constituents' views. An examination of the legislation reveals that the interests of women, racial minorities and others are adequately protected even if the HoC does have a predominance of middle aged, middle class men. Abortion was provided by a private members bill in 1967, Disability Acts, Equal Pay Acts, Race Relations Acts have all been passed by parliament. The Human Rights Act 1998 outlaws discrimination and the government has recently declared its intent to legalise gay marriage. All these examples reveal MPs can act as delegates – representing the views of their constituents rather than their own personal interests.

Similarly MPs represent their constituents' views as they follow the party line on which they were elected. Backbench rebellions are rare even if they are on the increase. The mandate model usually applies with MPs adhering to the party manifesto. It is rare for MPs to clash with their own party given the use of the whips in parliament. Indeed PMQs usually reveals MPs promoting the interests of constituents with requests for meetings with or visits from the Prime Minister to examine a matter of local concern such as the closure of a local hospital.

MPs also represent constituents' views because if they don't, they will not win the next election. Nadine Dorries runs the risk of de-selection due to her time in the “jungle". Websites such as Theyworkforyou.com reveal how MPs vote and the issues on which they speak in the HoC. This level of scrutiny ensures MPs who do not represent their constituencies are likely to lose their seat in the HOC. This serves as a powerful sanction to ensure MPs do not act too independently in accordance with Burke's trustee model. Regular local surgeries held most weekends bear testimony to the fact that MPs remain in touch with their constituents.

It would be fair to say that constituency views are not the only influence upon MPs – parties and conscience are also likely to be important in this regard. MPs may sacrifice constituency interests in the national interest by supporting cuts to local government due to the need for austerity in public spending. Each MP may also adopt a different approach. Philip Davies (Shipley) for example states he will always put constituency interests before those of his own on his website page.