ABSTRACT

The British House of Commons has its origins in the thirteenth century. Leading figures from the counties and from the boroughs were summoned to the king’s great council to give assent to the king’s demands for more taxes. Parliament presented such petitions and members of the House of Commons began making the voting of money for the king conditional on a redress of grievance being granted. Candidates seeking election to the House of Commons needed to have a party label. Each was elected as a Conservative or Liberal member for a particular constituency. The Member of Parliament (MP) was frequently invited to support, often financially, local interests and to act to acquire jobs and benefits for constituents. The demands made of MPs have increased the time devoted to constituency work by MPs, not only in the constituency but also in the House of Commons.