FAQs

A Member of Parliament is selected to represent the electorate in his or her constituency for a Parliamentary term, which normally lasts between 4 and 5 years.

The most common perception of an MP is of a person who spends their time speaking in debates in the chamber of the House of Commons, voting on whether to introduce or amend legislation and questioning Ministers about what the Government is doing in relation to particular issues.

This is of course an important part of an MP's job, but there are also many other responsibilities that are associated with the role. A great deal of important work takes place in Parliamentary Committees, which consist of MPs from different political parties working to scrutinise the performance of the Government and its associated departments on a wide range of policy areas. For example, I am a member of the Treasury Select Committee, which investigates matters related to the UK economy and financial sectors. 

Another fundamental responsibility is providing guidance and representation for people in his or her constituency, and nearly all MPs will hold regular "advice surgeries" where constituents can come to meet their MP and talk to them about any problems thay may be having. Obviously these problems vary according to personal circumstances but many of the queries I receive are related to immigration matters and housing provision.

If you are one of my constituents and would like more information about my advice surgeries then please click on the link at the top of the page.

I believe that Members of Parliament are a vital link between the Government and local communities, and do an important job in making sure that the concerns of their constituents are heard at the highest level.

I am of course aware that there has been a lot of negative coverage of MPs recently and completely agree that we all have a responsibility to work hard for our constituents and ensure that we work with complete integrity in a system that is completely transparent and accountable to the people who vote for us and ultimately pay our salaries through the tax system. 

And contrary to what many people believe, like most other MPs, I did not enter Parliament to get rich! The majority of MPs work very long hours to help their constituents and I feel that I am doing a good job in representing the interests of the people of Edmonton at Westminster. 

Being an MP gives you the opportunity to meet many different people from a variety of organisations and from all walks of life, and since being elected in 1997 I have had the privilege to meet hundreds of dedicated and committed people who have worked tirelessly to campaign and raise awareness of an issue that is of particular importance to them.

In Edmonton there are many individuals and small organisations that are doing their bit to improve our community, and it has been a great honour to work with them and provide whatever help I can to their cause.

I also became involved in politics to help the people who may not have had the same opportunities and support that many of us take for granted, and it is particularly satisfying to be able to help my constituents when they are faced with problems.

It is very important to me that I keep in touch with local organisations and I am always happy to come and meet groups that are based in Edmonton. In the past I have visited disability groups, pensioners' organisations, local businesses, schools, youth clubs and church groups and am very keen to meet more of the people that do important work in our area. If you would like me to visit your organisation or help you with a project that you are doing in the local community then please contact my constituency office and I shall endeavour to be of assistance.
 
The telephone number is 0208 803 0574.

I believe the most important thing for the people and businesses in Edmonton is to ensure that our community shares in the growth and increased prosperity that we have seen in London in the last 10 years.

Edmonton has seen many improvements thanks to increased investment from the Government and private sector, including the recently completed regeneration of Edmonton Green. We have also seen improvements in public transport, health services and the performance of our schools.

Of course there is more work to be done in our area and I will continue to work with the Police, Enfield Council and local community groups to make Edmonton a safer and cleaner place to live and work.

I've dealt with thousands of requests for assistance or information from constituents having problems with benefits, housing and jobs. I have also worked hard to represent the interests of the people of Edmonton at Westminster to the best of my ability.

Yes. If you live in Edmonton I can arrange a tour of the Houses of Parliament for you, although these are extremely popular and usually need to be booked very far in advance.

I can also sometimes obtain tickets for the public gallery in the chamber of the House of Commons, so that constituents can come and watch the debates and question time sessions. If you would like to arrange a tour or get tickets for one of the galleries please telephone my office well in advance on 0207 219 6377 and we will do our best to arrange these for you.

The law now allows anyone included on the Register of Electors to apply for a postal vote without the need to give any reason or to have the application countersigned.

If you would prefer to vote by post instead of going to a polling station you should contact your local council and ask to be put through to the Electoral Registration Office. They will be able to send you the necessary forms and all you need to do is ensure that they are completed correctly and returned well in advance of polling day. Edmonton residents need to contact Enfield Council on 0208 379 1000. 

For more information about how to register and how to vote in upcoming elections you can visit the Electoral Commission's 'About My Vote' website here.