A member of parliament is chosen by the voters in their local constituency to represent them in Parliament. Members of parliament are a key aspect of local and national government and they will be affiliated with one political party. However, although MPs are always affiliated with a part the voters in their community may not necessarily vote for them based purely upon their political allegiance, there are many different factors that can sway voters during an election.
It is the duty of members of parliament to represent their local community in Parliament by raising issues and concerns that affect their community, bringing them to the attention of national government. Many people who have a problem or concern about life in their local area will make efforts to contact their local member of parliament who is obliged to take action.
A member of parliament, once elected by the voters then becomes a member of the House of Commons where a great deal of the decisions that ultimately end up affecting the whole nation are discussed and debated. There are restrictions on who can become a member of parliament. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, although until quite recently members had to be 21. A member of parliament must also be a British citizen, although citizens of British overseas territories and Commonwealth states are also eligible for the job.