I’ve been thinking about the time I heard former American President Bill Clinton make his Changemakers speech at Labour Party conference.
His argument was that politics is about change and we should embrace it. Many of us can find change disturbing. Sometimes we put up with bad situations because we fear the challenge of change.
We can resist new technology because of the changes involved and ignore the benefits. Have you ever looked at the ease with which a grandchild handles the TV remote while we’re pressing buttons like they might explode?
I’m often asked to oppose things because they mean change and sometimes it’s change itself that’s being resisted.
Bethan, whose been my communications and office manager for many years, is off to pastures new.
Just looking at the things she manages and how much I trust and rely on her has filled me with dread. She’s a class act and will be hard to replace but it’s time for her to take up a fresh challenge.
New staff also present me with an opportunity to review my operation.
Being a Member of Parliament is less glamourous than you might think and being a staffer can be a tough job. It’s a constant battle to manage competing demands and there never seems to be enough time.
My office tries to prioritise people needing assistance. There’s nothing wrong with lobbying your MP but my responses to lobbying requests are usually slower than those for people with a personal crisis.
That’s my judgement, not my staff’s call. My office can be the last port of call for people trying to solve a problem after they’ve exhausted all other avenues.
Change is possibly our only constant. Sometimes it’s planned but can also result from sudden illness or loss. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept but usually we can’t stop it. Sometimes we shouldn’t try. Let me thank Bethan for her wonderful contribution. I’m up for change because that’s what politicians should be about. My job’s to listen and try and bring about changes people tell me will make their lives better. Otherwise, what’s the point?
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