My work experience with Bobby Dean 

by Charlotte Mawer

I began the week creating case work studies for a range of different topics. After being introduced to case worker, I was able to read first hand situations about what local constituents are struggling with, and how the case workers went about dealing with each issue. It was really important to gain an insight into the range of concerns, and dilemmas that are affecting my local community, but also particularly significant to understand how MPs and their case workers are available to help.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Houses of Parliament. This was a really fruitful experience as I had the chance to both take part in, and observe many different aspects of political life. Firstly, the tour was really interesting, my personal favourite aspect was visiting the Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft. Secondly, I had the opportunity to attend an Urgent Questions session with the Secretary of State for Justice where they discussed the prison system, and then there was a session on tourist tax. Finally, I sat in on a meeting between Bobby Dean and the non-profit organisation group, Bond, where I took the notes. It was very interesting to see how MP’s and organisations can work together to try and make a difference.

The next two days focused primarily on campaign and policy work. I was tasked with drafting policy and campaign responses on a range of topics such as the Israel and Palestine conflict, AI, Imran Khan’s imprisonment, and Education cuts. This assignment was useful in understanding more about both Bobby Dean’s and the Liberal Democrats political position, and helped to further educate me on very pressing issues. Furthermore, I also wrote press releases regarding opportunities that Bobby Dean had taken part in, speeches he had made, and issues he had championed. Lastly, I was able to attend the team’s end of week meeting which was a perfect way to bring everything I had learnt together.