The Political Game

Sir Peter Soulsby MP is the Member of Parliament for Leicester South, having become an MP after 30 years as local councillor, including 17 years as Head of the Council for Leicester. Having come to Leicester to study to become a teacher, Peter began by getting involved in special needs teaching. Having lived in Leicester ever since, Peter then got involved in the politics of Leicester, firstly as a councillor for 30 years before becoming an MP. I spoke to him regarding his views on graduates and advice for budding politicians.

Vinay: "What were the main experiences that you had at university that lead to a life in politics?"

Peter: "I have always had an interest in Politics, and having become President of my colleges union, I knew that this was something that I wanted to continue with. Essentially it's helping people and trying to be a positive influence in the community, which being president allowed me. At the same time, I became a councillor! So it was whilst I was at university that I really got into the whole political game."

Vinay: "And what skills did you develop from being involved in politics at such an early stage in your career?"

Peter: "First and foremost I developed negotiation skills, which serve me well even to this day! But I think the main skills that I have picked up are being able to build a rapport and help people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the 1970's in Leicester was probably fast becoming the most varied and diverse place in the country. I also learned how important it is to be responsive to anyone that I come in contact with, whether or not I can help them, because in politics, as is in business, health or law, you simply cannot help everyone you meet, regardless of how much you want to, but you need to ensure that they remember that you considered their situation."

Vinay: "What skills do you feel that graduates need to develop in order to be successful in the professional world?"

Peter: "Rather than any particular skill, I think that the most important development they need to make is in their attitude to work. Flexibility is a key attitude for the work place as the world and all that is in it seems to be developing at an extremely fast rate, and if you're not flexible, you may end up being left behind. You need to be open to continuously learning and developing skills within yourself - you'll notice that those who are at the peak of their industry are always learning and ensuring that they are better than anything else out there."

Vinay: "And finally, if you did have one piece of advice for any students or graduates looking to enter politics, what would you say?"

Peter: "Get involved. It doesn't matter at what level, but get involved. Start engaging people and look for the right party for you. Remember that no party will ideologically have the same views as you, but you'll find that there will be a lot in common with some parties, so be involved, whether it's in canvassing, policy development, and for those who are really keen for it, to get involved in becoming an elected official, whether it be local, national or international level. You can theorise about politics all you want but you won't learn a thing until you experience it."

Interview conducted by Vinay Trivedi, Director of The Career Agency