Politician

Politicians represent the views, interests and concerns of their local population at local or national level. Some might also contribute to forming and putting into practice party policy, for example, on social, economic and foreign policy issues. They work either independently or for a political party. Local people in specified areas (called constituencies) elect politicians.

Also known as:

• Assembly Member (Wales)
• Member of Parliament
• MLA (member of the (Northern Ireland) Legislative Assembly).
• MP
• Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP)

Work activities

In a democracy, the people elect politicians to represent them in government, to act on their behalf and to protect their interests. People expect politicians to care deeply about the social, economic and foreign policy issues that affect them. Members of the Parliaments (MPs in England, MSPs in Scotland, AMs in Wales, and MLAs in Northern Ireland) divide their time between helping people in their constituencies and taking part in central, national or international government. Politicians work in the public eye, for example, in televised sessions of the House of Commons. Here, they get the chance to debate important issues and propose changes to the law.

Newspaper and television journalists often interview politicians, especially if they hold important positions in the Government or opposition parties. However, a lot of a politician’s work takes place out of the public eye. Politicians might be involved with several different committees, each one responsible for a particular aspect of party policy or government.

Politicians divide their time between Parliament and their constituency, which could be many miles away. They run sessions (called surgeries) at set times, which are open to everyone who lives in their constituency. People can go to a surgery to discuss the issues that concern them, for example, housing, transport or employment. To solve a problem, or to prevent it happening again, politicians sometimes work closely with representatives from the local community, local authority or the police. Politicians travel in the local area and nationally and might sometimes travel overseas.

Personal qualities and skills

As a politician, you’ll need to be:

• Committed to helping people, and to representing the interests of the people who elected you.
• Prepared to work hard to stay in touch with the opinions, concerns, problems and needs of people in your constituency.
• Up to date with current affairs.
• A quick thinker, able to spot a weakness in your opponent’s argument and exploit it with a difficult question or challenging remark.
• Resilient and able to cope with criticism; sometimes, you might have to deal with protests.
• Prepared for strong interest from the media, including into your family life or personal affairs. This sometimes happens if there are aspects that seem to contradict the policies, messages or images officially conveyed by your party.
• Able to make tough, unpopular decisions if you believe that a policy is best in the long-term.

You should have:

• Excellent communication skills, to explain your ideas, and the policies of your party, clearly and concisely to others.
• Good listening skills: for example, to find out about people’s problems during surgery sessions in the constituency.
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills, to work closely with other politicians, researchers and campaign staff.
• Lots of confidence – you will have to speak to large crowds or appear on television programmes to answer interview questions.

Pay and opportunities 

Members of Parliament have a salary of between £82,000 to £150,500 depending on their level of responsibility, they are also allowed to claim various allowances and expenses. Councillors in local authorities receive allowances but no salary.

Most politicians work long and irregular hours, including evening and Saturday “surgeries” – where they deal in person with constituents’ problems.

Competition is strong, both for selection as a candidate and ultimately for votes, to win a place by public election.

Politicians win election to the House of Commons in London, the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont (in East Belfast), and the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff. Politicians work in their constituencies as well as in their respective parliamentary locations.

Career politicians are self-employed, though they might also hold appointments in the voluntary and/or the private sector.

Where are vacancies advertised?

You will need to belong to a political party and then apply to become one of their approved candidates. Or you could stand as an independent candidate; further information is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Entry routes and training

There is no fixed way to become a politician and, even if you achieve your aim, losing an election can mean unemployment. Many entrants have become politicians after successful careers in other areas, often law, business or education. Most politicians have been active members of a political party. Many have served a political “apprenticeship” by holding a position of responsibility in a party, trade union, pressure group or council. Some people gain experience by helping to organise election campaigns or by working as a political researcher. There are also limited opportunities to serve a political party as a full-time officer, usually based at a headquarters.

Experienced politicians might become cabinet ministers, with responsibility for a particular government department, for example, health, education or transport.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are required. Politicians must be excellent communicators and, if members of a political party, committed to that party’s values and traditions. To stand for election as a Member of Parliament, you’ll need to be at least 18 and a British citizen, a resident citizen of another Commonwealth country or of the Irish Republic. You must not be disqualified (various categories of people are not able to stand for election including undischarged bankrupts, people serving a sentence of more than one year’s imprisonment, Civil Servants, police officers, members of the armed forces and members of the House of Lords).

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. To stand for election as a Member of Parliament, you’ll need to be at least 18 to comply with the Electoral Administration Act.

Most politicians have a political background before they stand for election to a Parliament or assembly. This can be serving as a local councillor or an elected party official, for example, or working as a political researcher. Developing expertise and knowledge in one or more policy areas, for example, health or transport, can help you to establish a reputation. This is often gained through an existing career. Typical examples are careers in law, business or the public services at a senior level.

Relevant skills also include public speaking, committee and management work. Unelected political jobs often need relevant skills and qualifications, for example, in press work, marketing or conference organising. For senior elected posts, enquiries are made by the candidate’s political party into their background and character.

Financial support can come from a variety of sources, such as trade union sponsorship and local constituency associations. There are strict rules on who electoral candidates can accept donations towards election expenses from. Donations must be declared.

Related careers

• Advocate
• Diplomatic service officer
• European Union administrator
• Fast Stream Civil Servant
• Lawyer
• Political researcher
• Trade union officer