It is an exceptionally rare experience in one's life in which you find yourself thinking ‘how on earth did, of all people on this earth, me, end up here?’ And yet that was me on my work experience week, which was, quite frankly, crazy and incredible in equal measures.
It starts with an email on the off chance, not really expecting much to come of it and then you find yourself in Westminster, the heart of politics, watching the Speaker's procession and listening to debates in the Commons, and it is completely eye-opening. A lot can be learned in the classroom, but seeing how our country is run in person is truly an incomparable experience. My week began in the Bexhill constituency office with Frances, Craig and Penny, where I learned about the job Craig and Penny undertake with casework, helping people within the constituency, which is such an important role in which you can really see how the Parliamentary team makes a difference to the lives of the constituents. There I also saw the organisational expertise of Frances in her role as office manager. Everyone was so friendly, and created this really warm and kind atmosphere. I had a wonderful experience there.
From there, I went up to Westminster and met the rest of Huw’s Parliamentary team: Ella, Joe and Henry. Westminster is another world entirely, it's honestly insane, the energy is so vibrant and alive. Again I couldn’t have met nicer people, they definitely made my experience fantastic. From answering policy emails, organising social media and the many other things they do, whilst you may not see them, it is their efforts that really keep this political train on track.
Whilst I was there I was also lucky enough to sit in on Huw’s ministerial surgery and begin to get that tiny glimpse into the fascinating world of what it’s like to be a government minister. Seeing MPs who I’ve only ever seen on the news now in front of me is the most insane experience (I’m still not over the fact that I met Ed Milliband, like what? I’m actually still in shock.) There is nothing in my entire life that can compare to the feeling of walking around this huge palace past those who are making the laws of our country like it’s the most casual thing on earth. My time in Westminster was utterly unparalleled. It was posh, buzzing with energy, the rituals at times slightly archaic (like the Speaker’s procession), and I loved every second of it.
On my last day I joined Huw and Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell on a trip to Pevensey promoting tourism and small businesses in the local area. The dichotomy of seeing Huw’s role both as a minister and as a representative of the constituency is a really interesting dynamic to see how different these roles are and how he is able to balance them. The thing beyond everything else that really struck me about Huw was his clear passion and desire to help those whom he represents. Across meetings with constituents, visiting local businesses, and the way he didn’t have to go out of his way to engage with me as a work experience student but chose to nonetheless, that all demonstrated to me a clear commitment to do this job to an exceptionally high standard.
Overall, I hope I have managed to adequately put into words just how much I both learned from and loved this opportunity. And how, this experience most certainly would not have been as good as it was if not for all the kindness of the members of this Parliamentary team. So lastly to Frances, Craig, Penny, Ella, Joe, Henry and Huw, I understand having work placement students can be irritating when all you want to do is get on with your work, and yet none of you made me feel that way. You went above and beyond to truly create an amazing experience for me, and I cannot thank you all enough.
