Do MP's have to be rich or does it just help.?

Question

I mean, you don't see many poor ones who have second homes worth £650,000 like the Balls-Cooper partnership.

We seem to be losing out to the rich. What do you think.

And I don't refer to genuine, community based Councillors.

Answer 1

Most of the local MPs aren't so selfish, it's the ones in the houses of parliament that exploit their allowances.

Answer 2

I have yet to meet a poor MP, even those that start from moderate backgrounds, end up at least on the comfortable side of middle of the road,birds of a feather flock together,and them there turkeys know exactly how to feather their nests.

Answer 3

The country would be better served if only the rich could become MPs. Those with only modest means think primarily of their careers and therefore easily become pawns of their parties whereas those who already have great wealth are able to vote according to their consciences.

Answer 4

Clive - in just saying the country would be better off run by the rich means you're an idiot!

Answer 5

Rich!That is why they are in politics!To safeguard their interests!!

Answer 6

There's a large number of MPs who come from lowly beginnings.  Margaret Thatcher, David Davis, John Major as a mere sample.  Note that these all Tories.

Answer 7

I think it happens as soon as the become MP's and start filling in their allowance claims, plus the wage of course

Answer 8

Many MP's have had high-flying jobs before entering Parliament.

Answer 9

A person does not have to be rich to become an MP here in UK - in fact, there's actually a cut off point on just how much money a person may spend on an election campaign.  Not sure exactly how much, but it is really very small money.  Then there's the deposit for standing for election etc.  Again, we're not talking of huge fortunes.

In UK politics, certainly since the 1940s on, it has been the case that MPs come from all walks of life and all classes of folk and all parts of the UK.  There really are no barriers to enterting parliament.

You can find out who your MP is, if you don't know and you can send an e-Mail to your MP etc., by visiting the following site and signing up.  You can also get e-Mail alerts when your MP speaks in debates in the House of Commons.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

My MP is a former London Taxi Driver - so you do not have to be rich to enter parliament and become an MP here in UK.

This next link gets you an assortment of events and debates and bit and pieces in the House of Commons - just don't blame me, I didn't vote for it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_qu...