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West MPs on 'rollercoaster' first year in Parliament

Paul Barltrop
Political editor, West of England•@paulbarltrop
PA Carla Denyer wearing a dark green blazer and gold hoop earrings. She has short brown hair and is smiling at the camera. Behind her are metal railings and a bus stop. PA
Carla Denyer was one of four Green MPs elected last year

The general election of 4 July 2024 produced dramatic change – not least for the many new MPs.

Two-thirds of the West Country's seats changed hands, propelling many novices to the Palace of Westminster.

A year on, they have been reflecting on what it has meant for the country – and for them.

"It's been a rollercoaster, absolutely crazy," says Labour MP Matt Bishop, of the Forest of Dean.

"No two days are the same. Everyone wants to see you, everyone wants to meet you, everyone wants to talk to you."

House of Commons Matt Bishop wearing a white collared shirt, red tie, dark blazer and thin rectangular glasses. He is smiling at the camera and sitting against a dark grey background. House of Commons
Matt Bishop described the past year as "absolutely crazy"

Just finding their way around has been a challenge.

"I'm still pinching myself I'm here half the time," says Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos, elected for Taunton and Wellington.

"It's the only building in the world where you can go up the wrong staircase and change the law by mistake," he jests.

Sadik Al-Hassan, North Somerset's first Labour MP, relishes the job – but warns there are downsides.

"My average week is about 74 hours. I haven't seen my family as much as I would like."

LDRS Sadik Al-Hassan wearing a white collared shirt, red tie and dark grey pinstripe suit. He has dark hair and a dark beard which is turning grey. He is smiling at the camera, standing outdoors in front of a blurred backdrop of grass and trees on a cloudy day.LDRS
Sadik Al-Hassan was elected as the first ever Labour MP for North Somerset

South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage is no stranger to challenges – having rowed solo across several oceans – but being an MP is different.

"It's been amazing, it's been everything," she says. "The highs, the lows, the intensity. It is incredibly hard work."

As Green Party co-leader, the Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer is astonished that the Commons chamber can only seat two-thirds of MPs.

"That is really dysfunctional," she states.

"You're not allowed to speak, you're not allowed to take part in a debate unless you're seated in one of the main benches."

Ashley Fox wearing a white shirt, red patterned tie and black blazer. He has a blue rosette pinned to his left lapel, and is standing in front of a blue Somerset Council banner.
Ashley Fox is now the only Conservative MP representing Somerset – an area that was previously all-Tory after the 2019 general election

The one-year anniversary has had MPs reflecting on their parties' performances, and the Labour government's troubles are clear.

But new Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox reckons the Conservatives have not benefitted that much.

"The Labour Party have become unpopular very quickly, people have become very disenchanted," he said.

"But the population are not yet ready to trust the Conservatives."

One year is still early in a Parliament. It could be 2029 before the public get to deliver their verdict.

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