Famously, there is no job description for the role of a member of parliament.

If such a thing could ever

be drawn up, it might weed out some of the borderline personalities who make it into the House of
Commons. In trying to explain the pleasures of the job, the politician came up with the devastatingly
simple explanation. "You cannot overestimate the sheer pleasure of the sound of your own voice".

Everyone knows that politicians stand up in the House of Commons and deliver speeches. The rest of it -
whether to serve on the committees, how to help constituents while fending off the nutters, how to rise
up the greasy pole, whether to devote yourself to the business of government or the business of
parliament, even where to find an office, has to be made up as you go along.

The House of Parliament is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, emblem at once of a
nation and of an idea. The White House and the French Assemblee Nationale are also political buildings.
But neither carries the sheer weight of history that presses down on the stones of Westminster.

The Palace of Westminster, while a place where the public technically has access, does not readily make
citizens feel at ease or welcomed. It is a place with its own set of protocols and rituals, where citizens
may feel like strangers observing debates and votes that can seem opaque.

Newly elected members of parliament may start their political careers with a sense of humility and
service but may gradually become disconnected from the people they represent as they learn the
peculiar ways of parliament. The Houses of Parliament have a distinctly and deliberately churchy feel to
them. It is partly the high vaulted ceilings and the tiled floors, the way the sunlight breaks through
leaded windows, the pew-like benches, the carved wood and stone.

The success of a politician often depends on their ability to align with the needs and moods of the public
during a particular time in history. In peaceful and prosperous times, people may view politics as mere
entertainment, and they prefer organizers over agitators. During times of crisis, the public seeks leaders
with different qualities. The timing of a politician's career trajectory and their alignment with the
prevailing sentiments of the country can greatly influence their success. Winston Churchill's career
trajectory is an example of a politician who navigated these shifts successfully, adapting to the changing
needs and perceptions of the public.

The role of the Prime Minister in the UK has evolved over time. In the past, the Prime Minister was more
of a "first among equals" and had to work collaboratively with the government's other ministers. The
example of Clement Attlee's leadership is highlighted as an illustration of this style, emphasizing his
approach of including diverse voices and keeping cabinet meetings concise. This is contrasted with
Churchill's more lengthy and less decisive cabinet meetings. The effectiveness of a Prime Minister can
depend on their leadership style and their ability to work with their colleagues.