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keir-stone-brown
21st November 2012

Dream Job: Politician

Fancy having a go at running the country?
Categories:
TLDR

Qualifications needed: none

Salary: £60,000+

Location: London

With the current dearth of likeable, let alone competent MPs there could be a job for you in the Houses of Parliament. The road to becoming a politician is not a straightforward one nor is there a clearly marked path. A few essentials are a passion and belief in politics. It also tends to be the case that a commitment to a political party is more important than a particular set of qualifications, although with the state of politics right now and independent MPs gaining in popularity all over the country, that may no longer be the case. That being said most MPs start out by getting a good set of GCSEs and A levels (so far so good) followed by a degree. Campaigning experience, knowledge of the relevant party at local and national level, and a background within the party are all important when it comes to gaining the support of local members and making your run at becoming the local MP.

MPs generally work four days a week in London and one day a week in their constituency although they may have to work late into the night when bills are being pushed through the Commons. There are of course rewards for all your hard work though, as you will earn around £60,000 a year and if you make the cabinet then you will earn more than double that and if you really hit the top you will earn close to quarter of a million and be on a pension of the same amount for the rest of your life not forgetting all those juicy expenses.


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