By Isle of Wight Observer
We asked our two new MPs to let us have their first impressions as they start their new jobs.
Both Richard and Joe will be writing a monthly column for IW Observer readers.
Richard Quigley
Where do I start?
Firstly, with a huge thank you to everyone that turned out to vote, regardless of how you voted. Secondly, thank you to all of you that voted Labour, some for the first time, but all of you because you wanted something different. Thank you to Bob Seely for being the MP for the biggest constituency in the country for seven years – I wish him well in whatever he does next.
The campaign was fun, hard work, but that’s the point. The beauty pageant is done. The proper job starts now.
So, “What’s it like in that there Parliament?” I hear you say. Well, I got here on Sunday afternoon to be thrown straight into the induction process. We each get a buddy to help us navigate Portcullis House and the Houses of Parliament. Every buddy will have tales of still getting lost, even after nine years of being there, which sounds ridiculous – until you walk inside. It’s vast.
On my second day, I was convinced I knew where I was. Rookie mistake! I walked up and down the same staircase for 20 minutes, then decided to get in a lift, only for the lift to take me back to the same staircase. At least I wasn’t the only one.
The history and feeling of the building is quite something, such a palace would never get built today and the sense of responsibility to honour that history and the purpose oozes out of every pore. That doesn’t help with directions mind, but it puts you in your place.
We’ve all heard and got tired of the stories of sleaze and corruption over the last few years and in 2018, a code of conduct and behaviour was introduced, the only parliament in the world to have one. A lot of work has been done on the culture and how people treat each other (you’re right, it should have been done years ago), to the point I can honestly say it is the friendliest workplace I have ever stepped foot in. The staff (3,500 of them) are incredibly helpful and friendly and don’t even smirk when you are clearly lost, instead they stop what they are doing and assist you on your way. It is also one of the most efficient places I have started working, the induction, provision of equipment and early advice was incredibly slick. I’ve been given a laptop, iPad, personal alarm, 3 chargers, 2 pens, a pad and a rucksack to help get my office going and the whole process took 90 mins. Until my office is set up you can get me on richard.quigley.mp@parliament.uk.
But the main reason I’m here is to serve the Labour government, to effect the change you said you need. Our first meeting with the boss was all 412 Labour MPs in Church House (there’s no rooms big enough for us all in the Houses of Parliament), Keir gave a heartfelt and passionate speech on what we do to make the difference. Joy, but no gloating, no showboating, straight down to business. We then had our introduction to the Whips’ office – again, no gloating, no showing off, but a very honest talk about the work we have to do, the scale of the task and the need to work together. No going home early, politics is now back in the business of service.
The first bit of real business was electing the Speaker, sitting on the green benches on the government side. A display of unity in the house, Rishi Sunak speaking eloquently and graciously about his defeat, wishing the new government well. Keir Starmer thanking Mr Sunak for his service and commitment.
I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited, yet undaunted by a new job. Thank you.
Joe Robertson
It is the greatest honour and privilege to represent my home – Isle of Wight East – in Parliament.
I want to thank all those involved in the election campaign, particularly those who devoted so much time to knocking on doors, delivering leaflets, speaking to residents and attending events. I want to thank my predecessor Bob Seely for his seven years of energetic service and commitment to the Island. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the campaign efforts of all the candidates who stood for election last week. I am sure that each of them will continue to make a positive contribution to the Island in various different ways.
Now that the election is over it is my duty to represent all residents in the East Wight, regardless of who they voted for, or whether they voted at all. During the election campaign, I said that I would work with any government – Conservative or Labour. Now that Labour is in power in Westminster, I will work with Labour as promised.
For the first time the Island has two MPs, and from different parties. Richard Quigley in the West and me in the East. It is incumbent on Richard and me, not only to work constructively with the Government, but to work with each other to achieve for the whole Island. I know Richard as a fellow Isle of Wight councillor, and I am confident that we can continue to have a good working relationship. We have already appeared on local radio together and managed to find each other in Westminster on Monday. This is a new experience for us both equally.
In the first 48 hours as MP, I appeared on BBC television and radio to talk about my priorities, including dealing with ferry prices and timetables. I also visited an open day for people with disabilities at Royal Victoria Yacht Club. It was great to have the opportunity to speak to volunteers who were supporting the activities, and people with disabilities from different local groups on the Island. We even managed to get out on the water before being drenched in a post-election rain shower!
Having managed to get some rest after 40 hours of no sleep, I went up to Westminster on Monday to begin the induction process that all new MPs must go through. Much of it is quite dry and procedural, dealing with the various House of Commons departments. The other aspects of induction were with the Conservative Parliamentary Party. I was told it would be like the first week at school or college, which is exactly how it felt, however the grandeur of the Palace of Westminster brings home the huge responsibility placed on the shoulders of each and every MP.
On Tuesday, we re-elected Sir Lindsay Hoyle as the Speaker of the House of Commons and began the process of all MPs swearing in. I was sworn in as the new MP for Isle of Wight East just after 8pm on Tuesday.
I am now back home and meeting with residents, businesses, community groups and individuals, including Ryde Town Board, the chief executive of the Isle of Wight Council, a Times journalist regarding planning and a local headteacher – in addition to attending a King’s Award presentation for voluntary service to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.
I will be setting up my office in the East Wight in the coming weeks but in the meantime residents can contact me on my parliamentary email address: joe.robertson.mp@parliament.uk. Further contact details to follow.
Finally, I want to extend my warmest and heartfelt wishes as we begin a new and exciting chapter for the Island.
