British MPs in Their Constituencies

This paper examines the relationships between British MPs and local officials and councillors for evidence of accommodation or resistance to the representational activities and styles of MPs. It is based on structured interviews in eight constituencies, including interviews with the MPs, local councillors, CEOs, and other officials. The activities of MPs in their constituencies can be categorized into four nonexclusive groupings: casework, projects, gaining visibility, and party maintenance. Each of these activities may create tensions in a constituency, with casework (mostly housing cases) and gaining visibility the most frequently mentioned sources of tension. Divided partisan representation and electoral competitiveness at both the council and parliamentary levels resulted in a great deal of tension. Where the same party controlled both the local council and the parliamentary seat, tensions were largely kept within the party.