Hitchin MP Bim Afolami writes a regular weekend column for Nub News. 

Read on for this fascinating article as Hitchin's MP reveals the things he has learned since getting into politics. 

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Thinking about getting into politics after the Local Elections? Here's some things to consider, writes Bim Afolami MP

As we emerge from the Local Elections, political campaigners in all parties will now be considering what happens next. In North Hertfordshire, we have all-out elections next year, so whether candidates and campaigners won or not they will now be looking ahead to another campaign – refining policy, finding new activists, recruiting candidates.

And with a General Election set for 2024, aspiring Members of Parliament are now busy polishing their CVs and selection speeches. 

So if you're thinking about getting into politics, what are some of the things you should be considering? 

Although I thought I was pretty well informed before getting into Parliament in 2017, aged 31, I can safely say that there was a huge amount that I didn't know, and I made several mistakes as a result.

I have tried to describe the aspects that might not be immediately obvious to you, or at least they weren't obvious to me. 

Make sure your spouse is fully on board

Tip O'Neill is famous for having stated that "all politics is local". I would take it one step further: politics starts at home.

Before you embark on this rollercoaster, you have to make sure that your spouse really understands what it might be like.

There will be a lot of late nights away from home. If you have young children, as I do, this will often present a logistical nightmare for most of the week. Before you get elected, agree whether your spouse will appear on any political leaflets, and whether they will attend constituency events.

Just as importantly, make sure they get to know at least a few of your colleagues and their spouses: it will make their whole experience less lonely and alien.

They will often see the more mundane side of life of an MP, not the glamorous bits. You should try and make them feel part of the whole journey.  

People remember what you say

People remember. Once elected, although you may be the youngest, most junior and irrelevant member of the parliamentary party, outside Westminster people care what you think and say.

They will remember it.

The random utterance to a friend down the village pub will now be repeated to all and sundry. The little joke at the opening of a leisure centre that fell flat will be captured on a smartphone.

Be careful, and remember you are always on duty. Alcohol is rarely your friend. On policy matters, resist the temptation to promise the impossible or undeliverable to get through one election campaign, or one tricky hustings.

It will be much less significant for attracting votes than you think, and can really hurt you over the long term if you get it wrong. Your statements will be remembered. Your opposition will not allow you to forget them. 

You deal with the one per cent as an MP, but you have to keep thinking about the 99 per cent.

When I say the one per cent, I do not just mean the wealthiest one per cent. I mean the poorest one per cent – those who are often in dire need of help.

The most political one per cent: those who write you regular emails. The most Conservative one per cent: your Party members. The most anti-Conservative one per cent: opposition activists. The problem is that 99 per cent of the voters are not any of these people.

You will barely hear from them. You always need to try and find ways to understand what makes them tick, what they are thinking about, and how to show them that you're working for them. This is hard. 

People still respect the role of MP

People still respect the role of MP and it is still a very special one.

For example, when you go to a local primary school and the children have spent the morning preparing very thoughtful questions about Parliament and government to put to you: they may remember the session for the rest of their lives.

So prepare for these visits properly, and take an interest in everyone of whatever seniority. It matters to them, even if they don't vote for you.  

Beware of the media

Without journalists, you can't do your job properly as an MP. They are part of the furniture.

Often they know the best gossip from inside government much faster than most of your colleagues, and can help you understand where things might be moving. Yet always beware.

They have a job to do, and it is not to make you feel better, or to promote your career. It is to get by lines and top stories. Never forget that a chance remark in the queue for coffee in Portcullis House can end up in the newspapers somewhere.  

Campaign constantly 

Try and campaign somewhere every week, because although it will be time consuming it will (i) get noticed by your Party, (ii) enable you to get to know volunteers and MPs from all over the country; and (iii) help you build your political understanding of different types of voter – crucial when you are in the final selection meeting for your dream constituency, and you are thrown a curveball question. 

Most importantly, remember this: keep going through all the disappointments of the process. It is the most interesting and enjoyable job you are ever going to have.

All the effort will be worth it. 

Bim Afolami: Hitchin MP

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