Trust in politics has taken a ‘real battering’, says Watford MP
Recent polling suggests more than two-thirds of Brits believe politicians are out merely for themselves
The Labour MP for Watford says trust in politics has taken a "real battering" over recent years, due to past scandals and frustration that change isn't happening quickly enough.
Matt Turmaine feels that being “open, available and accessible” to constituents is how he can help regain trust in politics.
A recent YouGov poll suggests two thirds of Britons (67%) believe that politicians are out merely for themselves.
Meanwhile, only 4% of people feel politicians do what is best for their country.
YouGov says ‘doubt that politicians act in the public interest is nothing new, though it has increased in recent years’ - as data shows 48% of Britons felt politicians acted out of self interest in 2014.
Matt Turmaine, Labour MP for Watford says, “trust in politics has taken a real battering over the last few years and I think that's pretty obvious”.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Mr Turmaine said: “The motivation for that lack of trust comes from a number of reasons.
“One is that kind of bad behaviour that they've seen some politicians engage in. Others are because they're not seeing politicians represent them and they're not delivering the change that is making people's lives better.
The backbencher added: “What I'm trying to do personally to address the issues of trust in politics is to be open, available and accessible to my constituents.
“If they feel that they know who their MP is, that they can raise an issue with their MP, or ask me about something, then I think that will help.
“Generally, that is the job. I am here to help the residents and the constituents in Watford.”