Tower Block of Commons - The Finally!

Channel four, the king of reality TV has done it again! Four weeks ago four members of parliament embarked on an unknown journey that landed them in four different locations across the county. From the start I was very optimistic that Mark Oaten, Tim Loughton and Nadine Dorries will do well because they were flexible and showed their willingness to adapt to new and different things. But I was concerned about Austin Mitchell, at first he was reluctant and unwilling to fully engage in the experience, but at the end he came through and managed well.

You have to admire the participating MPs because taking part in a reality show is a minefield and with all that happened over the summer it was a risk they can do without. But as it turned out to it was also a risk worth taking, and the best service these MPs did for their image, politics and politicians in general. They proved they can quickly and easily connect with people who at times were very hostile to them – some will of course say, it’s their job – yes, but none of the people in the show were these MPs constituents. Add to that, they interacted freely and showed genuine feelings and at times even raw emotions. Simply put – they showed they are very human.

All four members, each, managed to help their community and leave it a little better off. Austin Mitchell tried to rescue a youth centre from closure due to lack of funding. Mark Oaten helped the residence of a Tower Block by opening communications channel between them and the council. Nadine Dorries in Acton helped a young man of 20 seek help to kick a habit and find his way and Tim Loughton brought together a community in a very unique way and along the way he probably discovered the next Shaun Bailey.

At the beginning many people were reluctant and unsure what kind of viewing the programme will make? It turned out to be gripping, addictive and a worthwhile experience. Many thanks go to the families for allowing us into their homes and lives and a mega thank you goes to the four MPs for showing politics and politicians in a good and positive light. I look forward to seeing both parties build on and develop further what they started.