As a newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Guildford, Zoe Franklin reflects on how her schedule and responsibilities have changed significantly. While the summer recess offers a bit of breathing space, she notes that her calendar is already filling up with meetings, local commitments, and parliamentary duties.One of the first topics discussed is sleep—or rather, the lack of it. Zoe shares that during parliamentary recess, she’s managing to get decent rest, but when Parliament is in session, the long days and late votes, sometimes extending until 10 PM, followed by early mornings, take a toll. Despite the intensity, she remains enthusiastic and committed to making the most of her new role.Zoe's entry into Parliament came with a whirlwind of activity. She explains that the initial weeks after her election were a steep learning curve. Between getting her bearings in Westminster and beginning to address constituent issues, it was a crash course in parliamentary life. The discussion highlights just how quickly newly elected MPs must acclimate to the pace and expectations of the role. With just two weeks between her election and the recess, she had to hit the ground running.A major part of Zoe’s approach is rooted in her commitment to local representation. She emphasizes that being an MP isn't just about what happens in Westminster—it's about staying deeply connected to the community she represents. For her, that means being visible in Guildford, attending events, listening to residents, and maintaining a local presence even when her parliamentary work is demanding.The conversation then turns to the nature of parliamentary duties. Zoe explains how MPs must engage with both local and national concerns, from individual casework to national policy debates. She talks about the balance she tries to strike between representing her constituents’ interests in the House of Commons and advocating for the broader values she stands for.She reflects on the experience of being in Westminster—walking into Parliament for the first time, navigating the complex systems, and interacting with experienced MPs. Despite the potential intimidation, she notes that there’s been significant support and camaraderie among new members. The sense of shared purpose, especially among MPs with similar values, helps her stay grounded.Zoe also speaks passionately about the need for Parliament to reflect the diversity and experiences of everyday people. She acknowledges that the institution still has a long way to go in terms of inclusion, and she sees her presence there as part of the broader movement for change. Her focus is on ensuring voices from all backgrounds, particularly underrepresented groups, are heard and valued.In discussing her priorities, Zoe outlines several key areas. These include improving local infrastructure, addressing environmental concerns, supporting families and young people, and ensuring the government is held accountable. She believes that MPs have a responsibility to advocate for both immediate local issues and longer-term national challenges.The conversation also touches on personal resilience. Zoe admits that the role can be emotionally demanding—especially when dealing with constituents facing difficult circumstances. However, she draws strength from her sense of purpose and the support of her team and family. She stresses the importance of self-care and maintaining perspective, particularly in high-pressure environments.

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From growing up as a 'tomboy' in Hull, new Liberal Democrat MP Pippa Heylings, Westminster's latest polyglot MP, speaks about a career travelling the world negotiating climate deals. Starting life as the daughter of the local GP who“preferred climbing trees to sewing”, Pippa started her career as a teacher in Derby, supporting girls with ambitions to go to university where“you’re not going to change anything within a generation”. She moved to Zanzibar to volunteer as a teacher and ended up working in the public sector to support local communities manage environmental issues as a 'honorary male'.

Her biggest achievement to date is helping to create the Galápagos Marine Reserve and she is only one of a few people who have permanent resident status in the Galápagos Islands.

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About Meet The MPs

Meet The MPs is a series that brings politicians to the public, with in-depth profile interviews with MPs from across the House of Commons, as well as political commentary and analysis of the latest key events happening on the green benches.

From growing up as "Eastbourne's Cutest Baby”, new Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde speaks about being born and bred in ‘one big village’ Eastbourne. Josh speaks about growing up having to be ‘hyper vigilant at home’, with domestic abuse and violence being a part of his childhood. Joining the Liberal Democrats over a beer mat at a freshers’ fair, Josh went on to receive an OBE after starting a social enterprise fixing smartphone screens.

Josh describes his family’s historical routes to Eastbourne, when his father was ‘shipped off’ by his grandparents to Eastbourne to be raised by white families, a common occurrence in 60s and 70s.

As a new MP, Josh tells us about snooping around the Houses of Parliament with his friends, calling himself a ‘politics buff’ on his Tinder bio and having a place in their constituency tattooed on their arm.

• Parliament Webpage: https://members.parliament.uk/member/5086/contact
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About Meet The MPs

Meet The MPs is a series that brings politicians to the public, with in-depth profile interviews with MPs from across the House of Commons, as well as political commentary and analysis of the latest key events happening on the green benches.