This article from the Economist made me smile.
The views below are entirely my own.
Navigating the fairly short whirlwind journey from a seasoned GP to a prospective British MP is a steep learning curve. It's like trying to figure out if that barking dog is friend or foe behind the letter flap—talk about a crash course in risk assessment!
After 30 years of diagnosing patients and living a diverse life , I thought I had seen it all. But I in for a surprise.Everything in that article struck a chord with me, making me question if only a sprinkle of craziness qualifies one for this rollercoaster ride called politics.
Despite the chaos and the uncertainties, I find myself enjoying every bit of the process—whether it's being authentically judged, bonding with candidates, activists and politicians across the spectrum, attending a variety of events, meeting people from all walks of life or wading through door-to-door adventures. Trying to better understand what drives our behaviours as human beings, planning strategies and trying different channels of communication to get my message out, while constantly juggling the demands of my daily job and home life in itself makes me, and everyone like me, a winner I reckon!
The outcome of this journey rests in the hands of the electorate. The true arbiters of democracy who will decide what my future in public service looks like.
Being respectful of the electorate means focussing on the substance in politics. It’s refreshing as I return to the basics; connecting with people, which is something I have done and enjoy as a doctor. As I navigate this slightly bizarre yet fulfilling and largely enjoyable journey, I keep reminding myself—it's all about the people we aim to serve.
So notwithstanding the challenges, that I don’t take lightly, why would I want to be to be a British MP?
Because it’s a journey like no other, where I bring all that I am and have learnt in my entire life to the table, with a chance to make a difference.
The endeavours made by people, communities and organisations I meet , fill me with hope and optimism and it’s vital I understand and don’t underestimate the extent of what politicians do, and how decisions and policies affect people’s lives on a daily basis.
What’s important is the support of the people around me, for which I am very grateful and consider myself fortunate, as without this none of this is possible.
And we only live once.
Ever thought about getting elected to Britain’s Parliament? Read this first: https://econ.st/3wARWPa
Image: Mark Long
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2moUK House of Lords Shouldn’t the House of Lords be abolished for good? We are in 2024, the modern 21st Century, and this old system of power is so unfair and outdated. Where is democracy in all of this? No Lords or Baroness in the House of Lords is really democratically elected by the people. And yet, is exactly in the House of Lords where the TRUE POWER lies. True decisional power. Real and positive change can only be achieved in a fair society, in which there is transparency… not confusion, hypocrisy and deception. Parliament in the House of Commons has very little power really, because everything that is decided there has to be approved and voted for by the House of Lords.