The amount of trust we give to MPs is astounding, and we naturally expect them to prove to us that our trust in them is founded and that they are fulfilling their many responsibilities. It is the job of an MP to represent their constituency in Parliament, and do everything they can to make it a good place to live, and keep the inhabitants of that constituency happy. They have the duty to run their country, and this must be a massive burden to carry, and a difficult one to ensure that they are making the right decisions.

When discussing the responsibilities of the MPs, it is a delicate balance between giving them the benefit of the doubt and being too harsh. They often get lots of people coming to them, suggesting how to make their constituency a better place, and these suggestions would often have to be taken to Parliament to be passed. Considering that there are 615 Members of Parliament in the Houses of Commons, it is understandable why it is difficult for a Member to get many of the ideas suggested to him/her considered by the House, and even more so to get any propositions passed. The Member of Parliament for Sutton is Paul Burstow, of the Liberal Democrats. He has submitted a fair number of his constituents’ suggestions to Parliament, all shown on his website. One major way he has been involving himself is protesting against the job cuts and bed closures at St Helier with Tom Brake MP (Carshalton and Wallington). He has set up a website concerning it: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/saveoursthelier and the campaign includes petitions the two MPs have been trying to be signed, and even a protest march lead by them.

I think this shows how Paul Burstow is trying his very best to help his constituency, and it certainly gets him much good publicity, strengthening his position within his area.