An Interview with the Horsham MP John Milne
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
Since July 2024, Member of Parliament John Milne, who is a part of the Lliberal Democrat party, has worked in the Horsham constituency. He serves the wider Horsham area, which includes the villages of Southwater, Broadbridge Heath, and Warnham.
As an MP, John Milne works in both his constituency and Westminster, which he describes as two jobs in one.
Within the Horsham constituency, he oversees and addresses personal issues as well as problems faced by businesses and charities. In Parliament, he represents the people of Horsham. Currently, he is a part of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which deals with matters including welfare, and pension age.
Initially, Mr Milne, who had worked in advertising, did not intend to work in Parliament.
Before becoming an MP, he was a local councillor in Horsham, eventually running for MP and winning the seat.
His favourite aspect of the profession is meeting local residents: ‘I’ve met loads of primary schools, and they’re just brilliant. They’re so entertaining. You never know what you’re going to get, and I really enjoy that.’
A typical day in the Horsham constituency involves meeting people in surgeries throughout the area, as well as businesses, volunteer groups, and charities. When national legislation is enacted, John Milne will talk to those affected by it, for example those working in the hospitality sector following recent changes in national insurance.
What has had the greatest impact on you as you work as an MP?
‘It’s the sheer surprise of having the opportunity to do this […] I’m a very curious person, [working] in advertising was great […] you’re always learning new things, that’s brilliant, and now I’m in a completely different job, […] this is as different as it can possibly get.’
Furthermore, many opportunities are presented to MPs, which John Milne describes as ‘precious.’ For instance, he travelled to Ukraine last year and met the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He advised that those wanting to work in politics should look to their local political party and volunteer. The Liberal Democrats particularly rely on volunteers, and this is a good pathway into the political field.
The path that the MP took, through being a local councillor is a great way to become more involved in politics, with John Milne saying that ‘you learn a hell of a lot.’
There are many opportunities to participate in politics, from engaging in your school council to working in Parliament, and it plays a part in all our lives.
