The ways in which elected representatives

act on behalf of their constituents.

Tori & Melissa

MSP Derek Mackay in Constituency.

Derek Mackay is member of the Scottish National Party and represents the Renfrewshire North & West constituency. He quotes “the qualities of an MSP is that they need an ability to listen and communicate, also positivity and honesty if they would like to be a successful MSP.”

Liasing with MP’s and Councillors.An example some may go to Derek Mackay about council housing this is not an issue that he usually deals with so he confides with the councillor of his constituency so they can discuss with the housing department to resolve the certain issue.

Surgeries.They are not as common for MSP’s as he says “80-90% of the time it’s through technology however when they do hold the surgeries they may discuss the health of the local hospital and may express a concern.

Fact Finding Mission.Our local MSP may go to a neighbouring school to talk to the teachers about the curriculum of excellence and see if they are concerned or feel under pressure.

MSP in Parliament.MSP’s represent their constituents in Parliament in many ways such as voting, debates, committee work and first ministers question time.

VotingIt’s one of the main ways to represent their constituents . In the Scottish Parliament you press and yes or no button on a desk to which discussion or debate you agree with for example when Derek voted yes to, Parliament should have the necessary job creating powers at its disposal to maximise opportunities for Scotland’s young people.”

DebatesThey will debate issues of concern to their constituents for example, Hospital Closures or prosed new road or crime levels. This also concludes that this is another way to represent their constituents.

Committee WorkVarious committees between 5 and 15 MSP’s conduct inquiries into matters of public concern. Such as the Finance Committee. For example Derek Mackay works in the finance committee, this is a way for people to get involved in different groups and share their ideas.

MP Iain McKenzie in Constituency.Iain McKenzie is the newest MP in Westminster. He is part of the Scottish, sport leisure, cultural and European committees. He represents Inverclyde and supports the Labour party.

SurgeriesIn surgeries they get many issues one of them being immigration, people don’t have a passport and their time is over so he tries to assist them. Also some discussions involve benefits they may have been issued the wrong benefits or none at all.

Fact finding missionIain most recently went to the B&Q headquarters to discuss and try to see if they would invest in Inverclyde and set up there, There was only a certain amount of jobs available so this would be a great advantage for Inverclyde.

Committee WorkMPs can sit on a Select Committee which closely examines the work of a government Department. Group of 15-16 MSPs’ for example ‘ In Scottish Parliament education and health committees.

MP in ParliamentMps represent people in Westminster in a variety of ways. For example question time, debates, committee work and the 10 minute rule..

Question TimeIssues or concerns which have been brought to the attention of MPs and for which the government has responsibility and can be raised with the relevant government minister.

DebatesIssues concerning the country at large will be discussed or debated at length. MPs’ can contribute to such debates, particularly if they are of direct concern to their constituency.

To Conclude,

Both MSPs and MPs do many things to help their constituencies

they work long hours to ensure that their constituency Is

becoming a better place for the people living their and

representing them in a positive way as much as possible.