[jaysay]

This is a very interesting thread, there are two types of MP there is a constituency MP and here is a Government MP Greg has been a constituency MP save the time he spent in the whips office early on. Ken Hargreaves was always a constituency MP because he only had an interest in working for the people of Hyndburn.

An MP can do very little, if say a firm like Rist's want to close a factory, they can talk to the management but at the end of the day it is they who make the final decision.

I don't have much idea how Greg worked for the community, I can only say that over his stint at Westminster I have contacted him on quite a few occasions and always received a full detailed reply, which is what I would expect from my MP.

I had more of an insight into the work carried out by Ken as I was involved. I often smile when I hear critics attacking the long holidays that MPs get, they may not be in Parliament, but they sure as hell ain't st on a beach soaking up the rays either. Ken had just the normal 2 weeks like everybody else, but the rest of the time he was working in the community as I'm sure Greg has done too. although Ken was in a different position than Greg,(he was single) Ken also worked every weekend as well often meeting people at his own home, or if need be making home visits. I would say that unless you have actually had the need of help from your representative at Westminster you are very unlikely to appreciate just what their contribution is to the local community