Politics · Advice & Questions · Oct 16

I didn't vote for my MP. Is it awkward to ask their office for help?

Politics

The constituency office replied, "Please send the reference number and a brief account of what's happened." I had expected a political argument. Now I'm hesitating over a very ordinary email.

A central government office hasn't answered my repeated request for an explanation of a delayed document. I live in England, have kept the correspondence, and contacted my own MP's office. My brother says asking someone I campaigned against to help is hypocritical. He wants me to write to a politician from the party I support instead.

I don't want a favour or a promise that the MP can fix it. I want to know whether their office can ask why the request has stalled. Do I need to explain my political disagreement when I send the details, or can this simply be a constituent asking a representative for help?

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2 community replies

@JulesAfterDark

This can simply be casework. [Parliament's contact guidance](https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/) says MPs represent local people whether they voted for them or not, and generally act for their own constituents. You don't need an account of your vote alongside the reference number. Send the short history the office requested, without assuming that an enquiry will guarantee the outcome you want.

@MorganSays

Your brother seems to be treating help as a personal exchange between political allies. The awkwardness may feel real without describing what's being asked. You're requesting an explanation from a public office, not offering to endorse the MP in return. A polite thank-you for a useful reply wouldn't erase your earlier disagreement either.

I didn't vote for my MP. Is it awkward to ask their office for help?

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