Next month, a large number of new MPs will be elected. On 5 June, the Unit hosted an event with four experts to discuss what support these new MPs might need, and how this might best be delivered. Lisa James summarises the key contributions. 

Whatever the result of the 2024 general election, it is certain there will be a large turnover of MPs. Over 130 MPs have announced they are standing down, and current polling suggests that many more seats could change hands. MPs are key constitutional actors in the UK’s democratic system, with the ultimate responsibility to uphold constitutional principles; it is essential that they are properly supported to carry out this vital role. So with a large influx of new MPs heading for Westminster next month, the Constitution Unit hosted an event asking what the priorities should be for their induction. The panel consisted of Hansard Society Director Ruth Fox, Institute for Government Director Hannah White, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg, and former long-serving Conservative MP Alistair Burt. This post summarises the discussion at the event – which can also be found in video and podcast form on our website. 

The history of induction 

Ruth Fox kicked off the event by laying out the history of MPs’ induction. Prior to 2010, newly arriving MPs were largely left to their own devices – Alistair Burt, first elected in 1983, recalled an induction that consisted largely of being shown to his office by a more experienced MP, and instructed to stay there until told otherwise. The expenses scandal, and work by the House of Commons Administration Committee, prompted the creation of a comprehensive induction package for the 2010 intake, combining internal and external provision. But low take-up resulted in a more pared-back, but better attended, offering in 2015. In 2017 and 2019, the early elections provided little opportunity for thorough induction planning. In general, MPs are now offered orientation in their first few weeks, but longer-term professional development that supports them to build their skills as legislators, parliamentary campaigners, and scrutineers has been harder to establish. 

What should induction programme designers consider? 

The panel emphasised that new MPs will arrive with very different levels of understanding of Westminster – some, for example, will have been special advisers, while others will have had minimal contact with parliament. Their needs will therefore vary. 

The panel all agreed that any programme needs to balance short-term and long-term provision. Alistair Burt suggested that the key risk the developers of induction programmes should remember is that of overload. As well as learning their way around Westminster, new MPs will be dealing with significant personal upheavals and demands – for example, finding accommodation. 

What do MPs need to know? 

Alistair Burt emphasised that getting rapidly to grips with constituency work is key for new MPs. He noted that the volume can quickly become overwhelming, so early familiarity with the required software is essential. Likewise, understanding of IPSA budgetary and staffing rules, and hiring of staff, is needed quickly. He also suggested that new MPs prioritise knowing where to go to find information – and consider their whips a key resource.  

Hannah White agreed that knowing how to set up an office and deal with a postbag are vital early skills – but also emphasised that MPs should be supported to understand the ethical framework early, to protect them from accidental mistakes (e.g. relating to conflicts of interest, or conduct). Though they also need to learn the procedural workings of the Commons, not all of this can happen straightaway – it may even be a career-long endeavour. In addition, giving MPs a solid grounding in how government works will help ensure that they can scrutinise it more effectively. Hannah White and Ruth Fox both reflected that as they settle in, MPs will need to develop their own priorities and approach to the role – Fox noting that while candidates are incentivised to say yes to everything, MPs have to quickly learn to be more selective. 

Daniel Greenberg suggested that MPs need to understand three consecutive things: first, their constitutional role (as well as its limits – they are ‘special in the chamber, and ordinary in the lunch queue’); second, the standards and expectations that underpin parliamentary activity; and third, the mechanisms they can use to scrutinise government and pursue policy goals. 

What will be available? 

Support for new MPs will be available from a number of sources, including the organisations represented on the panel, and crucially the House authorities. 

Daniel Greenberg’s office has prepared a package of materials on constitutional standards, with an emphasis on supporting MPs to carry out their roles in the ways that they choose. The plan is to create material that can both be useful in the first few weeks, and remain a reliable guide throughout an MP’s time in parliament. 

Ruth Fox and Hannah White both suggested that third-party provision can be helpful, in offering new MPs a space to express concerns or ask questions they may feel uncomfortable discussing with whips or the parliamentary authorities. Fox recalled that, regardless of headline topic, the external sessions run in 2010 tended to become ‘therapy sessions’ – and were valued for that. The Hansard Society is developing a long-term programme; the immediate core will be a written ‘survival guide’ for new MPs and their staff, bringing together insights from current and former MPs with useful practical information and resources. The Institute for Government plans workshops to help MPs understand government, and will continue existing programmes to work with select committees, and provide professional development for ministers. 

What might we learn from other countries? 

Alistair Burt reflected on his experience observing the US system during the 2007-08 Congressional transition period. As well as being provided with a comprehensive written guide, all new members of Congress attended mandatory week-long training at Harvard University, with a series of expert lectures as well as time to get to know one another. Asked whether fixed-term parliaments and a formal transition period in the UK might be helpful, Hannah White agreed that this could make planning easier for a variety of people – including for those trying to decide whether to stand, which could increase the diversity of candidates. 

Daniel Greenberg suggested that the unexpected election timing in 2024 might, to a degree, allow for a transition period similar to that in the US. However, he saw it as essential to support new MPs as they learn on the job – which limits the amount of useful support that can be provided before parliament is sitting. Hence the designers of induction programmes should be careful not to assume that the summer provides an opportunity to try to overload new MPs with information.  

Audience questions 

Questions from the audience covered whether the role of an MP should be made clearer, how induction can be kept independent from whips, and whether more should be done to work with candidates before they take up office. 

The panel agreed that support for MPs should move beyond how to use, for example, procedural mechanisms, to consider the ‘why’. But they were wary of seeking to define an MP’s role for them; there are many different approaches to being an MP, and it is for each new member to decide what they want to achieve with the role. Panellists also noted that MPs face constituency, party and external expectations that may sometimes conflict – Hannah White suggested that experienced MPs can be a valuable source of advice on how to approach such conflicts. Ruth Fox suggested that constituency pressures have only increased over time, and parties – focused as ever on retaining seats at the next election – will often encourage MPs to prioritise their constituency. However, constituency work can open up broader avenues of influence – Alistair Burt reflected on his own relationship with a constituent affected by the infected blood scandal, and how that had encouraged his campaigning on the topic. 

The panel argued for a more nuanced understanding of the role of the whips – though Daniel Greenberg also pointed out that the Nolan Principles of objectivity and selflessness do in the end require MPs to maintain a degree of independence from their party. Alistair Burt suggested that, while asserting party discipline is sometimes essential, too much micromanagement tends to be ill-received by MPs, and wise whips avoid it. Ruth Fox pointed out that because of the levels of churn since 2010, most party whips will be relatively new MPs themselves, so may be sympathetic to the need for high-quality induction. Hannah White and Ruth Fox suggested that, looking at current polling numbers, the Labour whips may need to think carefully about how they approach having a very large number of MPs, and how those people can be given job satisfaction. White cautioned that an approach assuming the government will always have the numbers it needs, and need not worry too much about its backbenchers, risks breeding dissatisfaction. 

Asked about the possibility of working with candidates, Daniel Greenberg noted that all relevant information appears on the Commissioner’s website so can be accessed before people enter parliament. Ruth Fox said that the Hansard Society hopes to work more with prospective candidates in the next electoral cycle – not least as helping to build people’s understanding of the role of an MP early can help them to decide whether it is right for them. But the panel also sounded a note of caution on the practicalities. Candidates are extremely busy – and may also be wary of looking presumptuous, by engaging with induction materials for a role they have not yet won. 

The above is a very brief summary of what was a lively and informative event. Recordings of the event are available in podcast and video form, free of charge.

The Constitution Unit blog will be publishing blogs regularly throughout the election period about the constitutional issues raised by the campaign, including analysis of the parties’ manifestos. Sign up via the box in the left-hand sidebar to receive email notifications when a new post goes live. Additionally, the Unit’s annual conference kicks off on 24 June, concluding on 25 June. The conference will consist of four sessions, which will cover the topics that the Unit considers to be constitutional priorities for the next government: standards in government and parliament, House of Lords reform, the rule of law, and devolution within England. Sessions are accessible remotely and free to attend.

About the author

Lisa James is a Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit. 

Featured image: Keir Starmer welcomes new MPs Gen Kitchen and Damian Egan (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by keir.starmer.mp