Dylan Collier - 16 years old, student at Bishop Luffa
My week at Westminster kicked off quickly on Monday learning about the inner workings of a parliamentary office. Seeing how Gillian’s amazing staff deal with constituents’ problems, helping them personally or directing them to the someone who can. On my second day I helped to work through the overwhelming amount of invitations that Gillian receives on a daily basis which really showed me how hard she works to try and meet as many people as possible.
On Wednesday I got given a chance to help pull together some ideas for an article that may go in the paper in a few weeks. This made me feel like a part of her team and cemented my beliefs that I want to go into parliament one day whether as staff or as an MP.
As the week went on, I felt more like I was part of the team with Gillian’s team supporting me and slowly giving me more responsibility. It was an eye opener to see the diversity of work they do and it is clear that behind every successful MP there is a dedicated parliamentary team behind them.
I also got the chance to watch a live debate in the House of Commons Chamber. The Bill MPs were discussing was the Fisheries Bill, that I learnt is important for our constituency because of Selsey.
Overall my time in Gillian’s office has been extremely enjoyable and exciting. The opportunity has given me an insight into the inner workings of the House of Commons and has shown me how hard Gillian and her team work to make sure her constituents can get the right support they need, as well as dealing with national issues that impact everyone across the country such as Brexit and the Agriculture Bill. This has been a valuable experience which has confirmed my interest to go into politics and I hope to be able to come again soon.
