Although we all know that Palace of Westminster, House of Commons is not a place for sentimental and faint-hearted people, as politics here is as intense and demanding as anywhere else in the world but we always believed our MPs are on most part honest, kind and caring, especially when it comes to looking after their constituents and the people who work for them, as these are mostly young, ambitious people, many straight from universities where they may have studied politics, worked for charities with minimum pay, who wants to work for politicians, MPs to gain experience. They have ambition to enter politics later on. It is glamorous job working in HOC, the experience will stand them in good stead, a shining entry on their CVs most employers appreciate and admire. Some academically brilliant, especially those with Oxbridge degrees also serve on the “Think Tank” occupying a privileged position. Their input is invaluable, so often influencing the ideology, the thinking of MPs.
Politics is highly competitive, emotionally charged in an energy draining environment where one has to watch one’s back constantly, especially for those MPs who have the ambition to reach the top, gain residency in No 10 Downing Street. It is once in a life-time opportunity that does not fall vacant that often. No wonder aspirants are ruthless, ready and willing to stab in the back, even their close friends and allies to climb the greasy pole!
It is not unknown that so often, after a bad day in HOC, many luminary politicians take it out on their employees, soft and easy punch-bags for frustrated minuscule politicians, as such junior staffs could not fight back. But this is in a completely different league compared to allegations of sexual harassments that drives many to tears. Could this be a fairly recent advent or is it an age-old problem that has come to surface with “Me To” movement that is tearing America apart? I wonder if there is any one in HOC or Whip’s office where these harassed employees can complain! In any case HOC is a closely-knit environment difficult to penetrate who are on most part judge and jury when it comes to looking after their own interest. Fortunately by far most MPs and Lords are decent, honourable, trustworthy people. In this fast changing political environment, it is only a question of time before such oppressive behaviour will become unacceptable and out-dated, having no place in our modern, liberated society.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
