MPs returned to Westminster earlier this week following the recent recess.

So, I’m back to my typical working pattern, which sees me in London Monday to Thursday carrying out parliamentary business.

And back working in and around the constituency on Fridays and Saturdays.

Granted, parliamentary business is quite a broad term. And plenty ask what it entails.

More specifically, ‘What does a typical week actually look like for an MP?’

The short answer is it varies from MP to MP. It’s also largely dependent on which party an MP belongs to and whether their party is in government.

Labour have been quite clear that MPs are expected in London, to carry out parliamentary business, vote, and help deliver change.

It doesn’t seem surprising really, given that’s what we’ve been elected to do as MPs.

Yet many seem surprised that this government is actually taking the business of government and governing the country seriously.

It’s easy to forget, just how chaotic the last 14 years of Conservative government were.

So when this government says it will deliver change, and has already begun work in its first three months you can understand why it seems so novel.

It’s also quite refreshing hearing colleagues in the tea room actually talking about business, about growth, about jobs, about how we can work together - regionally, nationally - to deliver change.

One can only imagine how much time previous governments wasted plotting to bring down their own side and actually make things worse for the country.

But it’s also why I’ve been so keen to demystify Westminster in my new role.

It really isn’t as exciting as many would have you believe. Nor should it be.

Governing is a serious business, and it’s important that due process is followed.

Otherwise we risk returning to the weekly scandals seen before July 4.

The parliamentary year starts with the State Opening of Parliament, which takes place just after a General Election.

That’s when the King sets out what his new government wants to achieve. And from there it’s our job, as parliamentarians to be in the house to debate, to vote, and to help pass legislation which ultimately helps improve living standards and delivers change.

But I draw the way parliament works to your attention because whilst I’ve been out meeting people, I’ve been asked similar questions like - “Why has nothing changed yet?” and “Why haven’t you fixed the ferries?”. 

This government was elected to deliver change. And it is.

The King’s Speech set out 39 pieces of legislation the government intends to introduce in the months ahead.

That includes renationalising the railways, fixing the NHS, delivering high quality infrastructure and housing.

As Labour MPs we’re working together to fix the country’s foundations.