During my week of work experience with Dr. Kieran Mullan, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into both constituency and parliamentary work. My placement began on Monday at the constituency office, where I was warmly welcomed by Frances and the rest of the team. They took time to explain their day-to-day responsibilities and emphasised the importance of staying up to date with local constituency matters. This gave me an early understanding of how MPs support their constituents behind the scenes.
On Tuesday, I travelled to Westminster where I met Dr. Mullan’s parliamentary team, including Sam, Juan, Alex, and George. They gave me a detailed tour of Parliament and discussed their individual roles within the team. They also explained how Parliament operates on a daily basis and provided me with a deeper understanding of current political issues. I returned to Parliament on Wednesday, where I had the opportunity to meet other professionals working across different departments. I also met Dr. Mullan in person and watched him deliver a speech on Estimates Day. He took time to explain the content of the speech, its relevance, and how it fits into wider parliamentary proceedings. From this, I learnt the importance of preparation, punctuality, and effective communication within Parliament.
Thursday took me back to the constituency office in Bexhill. The focus of the day was on community engagement, particularly with local charities and businesses. I contributed by drafting a letter of support for Little Gate Farm, a charity that supports individuals with learning disabilities, outlining how the MP’s office could assist and collaborate with them. Through this, I saw how MPs act as a bridge between national politics and grassroots organisations.
Finally, on Friday, I shadowed Dr. Mullan throughout his constituency schedule. We visited a beach defence scheme in Pevensey where I learned about environmental policy and flood prevention strategies. Later, we visited a local school where Dr. Mullan engaged with students about the importance of politics and education. This visit was particularly inspiring as I saw firsthand how MPs connect with the public and promote civic engagement. I also had the chance to speak one-on-one with Dr. Mullan about my own political interests, and his advice was incredibly helpful and motivating.
Overall, this experience has been eye-opening and enriching, offering me a clearer view of the varied and important role of an MP. I am grateful for the time and support given by Dr. Mullan and his team throughout the week.
