Q1. What does an MP do? >>
Q2. Why did you want to become an MP? >>
Q3. What do you enjoy most about your job? >>
Q4. How can I get Sharon to come and talk to my local group? >>
Q5. What have you done for your constituents in Washington and Sunderland West since you were elected? >>
Q6. Can members of the public visit the House of Commons? >>
Q7. How can I apply for a postal vote? >>
A1. What does an MP do?
The most prominent activity of an MP is speaking in debates in the chamber of the House of Commons and questioning Government Ministers on their policies and voting on legislation.
But this is only a small part of an MP's work. Backbenchers can show support for issues through Early Day Motions (EDMs) but much serious (and very time-consuming) work is done in Committees scrutinising government bills. Frontbench MPs do not usually sign EDMs.
An MP also works on behalf of the electorate in their home constituency. An MP can often show support for an issue, send out press releases and therefore help generate publicity for local issues.
MPs also hold "surgeries" and do casework by writing on behalf of individual constituents wherever possible. Obviously, this work is almost all completely confidential, so details cannot be given.
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Everyone has the right to contact their local MP about issues affecting them but there are only specific areas they can deal with.
MPs will generally only act on behalf of their own constituents, so please check you are contacting the MP who represents your constituency.
Find out more in the "You and Your MP" leaflet. You may download this factsheet here >> .
(It's 93K and is in Adobe PDF format.)
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A2. Why did you want to become an MP?
I had never really considered a career in politics until my mid thirties, and even then I never wanted to be an MP. Whilst I was working for the Trade Union Unison I heard that Joyce Quin was retiring, so I decided to go for the seat. I've always been a big promoter of the North East and I wanted the chance to be able to praise the area in which I and my family grew up, as well as help local people to improve their lives.
A3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping people with their problems. It may sound a bit corny, but it's true. There is enormous satisfaction in solving an issue that is causing distress to my constituents. Getting the chance to speak up for Washington and Sunderland West here in Parliament is something I never dreamed of and I never miss an opportunity to try and put us on the map!
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A4. How can I get Sharon Hodgson MP to come and talk to my local group?
It is very important to me that I keep in touch with local organisations and I am always happy to come and meet groups that are based in Washington and Sunderland West.
For example, disability groups, pensioners' organisations, local businesses, schools, youth clubs, church groups, etc.
If you would like me to visit your organisation, or help you with a local launch, etc., please contact my constituency office and I shall endeavour to be of assistance wherever I can.
Suites 1/1A, Vermont House, Concord, Washington, NE37 2SQ
Telephone: 0191 417 2000
E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk
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A5. What have you done for your constituents in Washington and Sunderland West since you were elected?
I've dealt with hundreds of requests for assistance or information from constituents experiencing problems with benefits, housing, jobs and worked hard to represent Washington and Sunderland West to the best of my ability.
Some of my latest campaigns include:
- Education
- Ticket touting
- Special Educational Needs
- Breast cancer awareness,
- Lifting the ban on mobile phones in hospitals
- Free, universal, locally sourced school lunches
- Warmzone - tackling fuel poverty
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A6. Can members of the public visit the House of Commons?
Answer: Yes.
MPs offices can apply for tickets for constituents to visit the House of Commons and the House of Lords, although these are sometimes in great demand and unfortunately it is not always possible to get tickets for the day you want them.
If you would like tickets for one of the galleries, please telephone my office well in advance on 0191 417 2000 and we will try to arrange these for you wherever possible.
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A7. How can I apply for a postal vote?
The law now allows anyone included in a Register of Electors to apply for a postal vote without the need to give any reason or to have the application counter-signed.
If you would prefer to vote by post instead of going to a polling station, you should contact your local council and ask to be put through to the Electoral Registration Office. Ask them to send you an application form. Your form should be returned well in advance of polling day.
Sunderland: (0191) 520 5555
Alternatively, you can download a pdf version of the application form here. Instructions are on the forms.
Sunderland residents
– get a postal vote application form as a pdf here:
Sunderland City Council postal vote application form
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Go back <<
Sharon Hodgson << Go back to Sharon Hodgson's Home Page. www.sharonhodgson.org
Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA
E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk
Constituency Office Tel. 0191 417 2000 | 
