With a new session of Parliament under way this week, reporter RICHARD WHEELER visits Conservative Lincoln MP Karl McCartney to see what life is like in Westminster...

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IN A cramped office within the Houses of Parliament, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney and his assistant, Mel Barratt, have set up home.

The neighbours include North Hykeham and Sleaford MP Stephen Phillips, Ian Paisley junior, the son of Northern Irish protestant firebrand Ian Paisley and millionaire Tory environmentalist Zac Goldsmith.

It is a hectic and potentially unforgiving world, but the first thing on the agenda for Wednesday is football.

The Lincoln MP makes a 9.30am appearance in Westminster Hall for a general debate on an issue familiar to Lincoln City fans – the role of football supporters in the governance of professional football clubs.

Finance is next on the agenda at 11am with a stop in one of Parliament's many committee rooms to discuss tax with the Association of Revenue and Customs before Mr McCartney takes his seat for Prime Minister's Questions.

As this ends, central lobby is a whirlwind of activity as MPs and tourists mix together. Glamorous former political reporter-turned Labour MP Gloria de Piero looks pensive on the phone, while Peter Hain MP is seen waiting for a television interview.

Former boxing champion Joe Calzaghe and his dad Enzo are later spotted strolling through the same area. It is an odd mix.

But this is everyday life for married father-of-two Mr McCartney.

He said: "It's been a busy old week to come back to. I've not stopped since Monday."

These comments on a Wednesday afternoon could seem a little premature from Lincoln's representative in the House of Commons. After all, there is still a busy schedule ahead for the rest of the week. But, although not completely unexpected, the dedication and hard work required of a good MP has well and truly dawned on Mr McCartney since he was elected ahead of Labour's Gillian Merron in May.

He said: "It's difficult. Work wise I've never coasted in my life.

"I've always worked hard, getting in early to the office.

"I'm not signed up to the motto 'I live to work'. I work to live. However, when you become an MP you know what you are signing up for. I terribly miss my family, but they have supported me.

"I am down at Westminster for at least four days a week after I was selected by the people of Lincoln to represent them.

"I don't have a majority where I can sit back and let things happen."

The afternoon includes replying and chasing answers to constituent concerns, responding to press enquiries and attending further meetings within the Houses of Parliament.

By the evening, the meetings continue for the city MP with votes to attend and a reception centred on Lincoln Cathedral, including various county religious and business representatives.

But why does the Lincoln MP need to spend four, sometimes five, days in London, away from the people who elected him?

Mr McCartney said: "The importance of being here is that I'm a representative of thousands of people in Lincoln.

"You are here taking an active part in the running of the country and that's serious business that I don't take lightly.

"What I've been trying to do is always for the good of Lincoln. Horse racing plans for Lincoln were not for the good of Karl McCartney or anyone else involved."