More than 300 MPs step into Westminster, navigating briefings, office setups, and the overwhelming demands of their new roles

A wave of over 300 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) arrived at Westminster on Monday for their first official day, which was packed with briefings, tours, and essential administrative setups.

The venue for the arrival was Westminster Hall, a historic space where Queen Elizabeth II lay in state before her funeral. Here, the 335 new MPs, including four from the Green Party and others from various smaller parties, were welcomed and paired with “buddies,” experienced parliamentary staff members assigned to guide them through their new responsibilities.

The day involved a series of briefings on parliamentary procedures, security protocols, and guidelines on setting up their offices. Among these tasks was an obligatory tour of the parliamentary estate, with a photo stop at Westminster Hall. Adam Jogee, the newly elected Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, remarked on the intensity of the first day, comparing it to the exhaustion of returning to school after a long break.

For some, it was a stark and sobering experience. One new MP, who was elected just a few days earlier, shared their surprise at receiving a panic alarm on the very first day of their job, highlighting the reality of the responsibilities awaiting them.

Despite arriving full of anticipation, the new MPs faced the practical challenges of limited resources. They were required to “hot desk” for a few weeks until permanent office spaces were allocated, and many had yet to assemble their teams to manage constituent matters and parliamentary duties. Despite these challenges, some MPs were already receiving communications from campaign groups seeking support for various causes.

Smaller parties like the Green Party and Plaid Cymru were quick to assert their presence, holding press calls and voicing their intention to “hold Labour to account.” Meanwhile, Labour’s fresh MPs had to gather across the road at Church House for a party meeting due to a lack of available space within Westminster itself.

For some, the focus was on the immediate needs of their constituency offices. Julie Minns, the new Labour MP for Carlisle, shared her intention to get her office and staff sorted within five days, acknowledging the crucial work ahead to support her constituents. Other MPs, including one from the Conservative Party, faced practical hurdles like replacing shoes worn out from their campaign trails.

Despite these hurdles, the overwhelming sentiment was one of excitement and gratitude. Ben Obese-Jecty, the newly elected Conservative MP for Huntingdon, described the experience of standing in Westminster Hall as a profound and exhilarating moment, reflecting on the long journey from campaign victory to the historic halls of Parliament.

The induction process has been praised for its smoothness, with many MPs appreciating the increased support and resources compared to previous years. Jogee expressed his gratitude for the level of guidance provided, noting that his predecessors often lacked such comprehensive assistance during their early days in Parliament.