The Role of an MP:
Members of Parliament are elected to the House of Commons to represent the interests and concerns of all the people who live in their constituency, whether they voted for them at the General Election or not. They are only able to deal with issues raised by people who live in their constituency, called constituents.
To check if you are one of Nigel's constituents, please enter your postcode on the Parliament website.
MPs split their time between working in Parliament and working in the constituency. In Parliament, MPs spend their time fighting for the interests of their constituents, along with other responsibilities. In the constituency, MPs hold advice surgeries for their constituents to come and talk to them about local issues and problems, attend meetings and community events, as well as visiting local organisations and businesses.
Nigel's position as Deputy Speaker makes his role different to that of other MPs. Nigel is one of three Deputies who support the Speaker in chairing debates and ensuring that all voices are heard within the Chamber.
As Deputy Speaker Nigel has better access to ministerial colleagues, which allows him to raise and solve constituent's problems, ensuring that the voice of the Ribble Valley is heard at the highest levels of Government.
When a constituent contacts their MP, they are able to contact the relevant department, official or the Minister involved. Many problems or concerns are raised and solved in this way.
Whilst MPs do not have any jurisdiction over local Council decisions and in the first instance, constituents should contact their local Council or Councillor. MPs can write to a local Council and ask them to look into a problem or to reconsider an issue.