How effectively does parliament perform its representative function?

Question 1

1. How could an MP’s personal interests conflict with the need to represent their constituency?

Answer 1

1. An MPs loyalty to their party, and desire to win promotion to the government, might come in conflict with the need for them to represent their constituency.

Question 2

1. What does the ministerial code advise them to do?

Answer 2

1. The ministerial code advises them to avoid conflicts of interest.

Question 3

1a. In what conditions are ministers allowed to act as representatives in government?
1b. Example of such a situation?

Answer 3

1a. They must make it clear that they are acting as their constituents’ representative, and not as a minister.
1b. In 2006, Hazel Blears supported protests against a planned closure of a part of a hospital in her Salford constituency.

Question 4

1. Is the Commons representative of society as a whole?

Answer 4

1. No, 29% of MPs elected in May 2015 were female - an increase from 2010
   (22%). Also, ethnic groups only make up 6% of the Commons, in comparison to 13% of the population.