Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find out about my role as an MP as well as other useful information.

List of frequently asked questions:

• Are you my MP?
• Can you help me with my problem?
• How much are you paid and what other allowances do you receive?
• What are the roles of an MP?
• Are you a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats? What areas do you specialise in?
• What are your interests outside of politics?
• Where are you from?
• What did you do before you became an MP?
• How can I contact you?
• What have you done for local people?
• Can I write to you on an important national issue?

Are you my MP?

The constituency of Manchester, Withington covers Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Burnage, Old Moat and parts of Ladybarn and Fallowfield. To check whether you are inside the constituency, go to www.writetothem.com and type in your post code. You can also e-mail me from there.

Can you help me with a problem?

If you live within the constituency then I will be able to help you, however, please be aware that some problems are outside of the remit of an MP. To check whether you are in my constituency, either go to Are you my MP? or www.writetothem.com and type in your post code. Please remember, there are strict rules, which prohibit MPs taking up cases from people living outside of their constituencies. If you wish to find out how to contact me with a problem then please go to How do I contact you?.

How much are you paid, and what other allowances do you receive?

As an MP, I receive £64,766 in salary and a final salary pension scheme.. MPs also receive additional expenses to cover the cost of the service provided to constituents. These include office rent, staff salaries and communicating with constituents. You can view my expenses page on this website at John's Expenses. For a detailed break-down of my expenses and registered interests, please go to my page on They Work for You.

What are the roles of an MP?

MPs perform a wide range of roles in their job, which can be roughly divided into three areas: individual, local and national.

MPs regularly undertake casework on behalf of constituents. The nature of cases can be extremely varied, including everything from asylum and immigration, to driving licences, to problems with utilities and much more. As well as dealing with cases myself, I employ two full-time caseworkers in my office who are available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Locally, MPs campaign on a wide range of issues. I work closely with Councillors, residents and local groups to campaign on a range of issues such as police numbers, health services, local investment, road safety and many others. Details of the most recent local campaigning can be found on my news page.

Nationally, MPs represent the views of their constituents in Parliament. This includes speaking in debates and voting on issues. For details of my most recent appearances in the House of Commons, please check my They Work for You page. You can also sign up to receive e-mail alerts whenever I speak at They Work for You.

I am also Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson and a member of the Transport Select Committee. For more information on these roles, please see Are you a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats? What areas do you specialise in?

Are you a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats? What areas do you specialise in?

I am Liberal Democrat Junior Transport Spokesperson. In this role, I focus on transport issues and scrutinise the Department of Transport as well as transport bills which come before parliament. My main areas of interest within transport are road safety and light rail/trams. I was made Brake Parliamentarian of the Month for December 2007 and I helped to set up the All-Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group, which looks at schemes for trams and light rail systems across the country. This is especially important in our constituency where we've long campaigned for an extension to the Metrolink to Chorlton and Didsbury.

I am also a member of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee. This involves scrutinising the work of the Department of Transport and various agencies such as the Highways Authority and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority through questioning of ministers and experts. The Transport Select Committee then reports back to Parliament on its findings.

What are your interests outside of politics?

I am a keen football fan. I support Manchester City and play for the Parliamentary Football Team. I'm also involved in amateur dramatics as a member of the Manchester Players. I enjoy going to the cinema and listening to music - although it's often difficult to find time to do them as much as I would like!

Where are you from?

I grew up in Chorlton where my father was a Minister at Chorlton Methodist Church. I attended Manchester Grammar School and Loreto College in Hulme. I went to Brunel University to read Politics and History before returning to Manchester after graduating with a 2:1.

What did you do before you became an MP?

I trained to become a manager at McDonalds and then worked for a time in an RAC call centre. I joined the Liberal Democrats while I was at university. I was first elected as a Councillor for Barlow Moor ward (now Chorlton Park) in 1998 and served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition Group on Manchester City Council.

How can I contact you?

For details of how to contact me, including surgery times and dates, please go to Contacting John Leech.

What have you done for local people?

Please see What is the role of an MP? or check my recent news. We're unable to divulge details of individual cases as this would breach data protection laws and client confidentiality. However, we are planning to create a page detailing what I've been doing in your area so check back soon!

Can I write to you or e-mail you on an important national issue?

Of course! We receive hundreds of letters every month on a huge range of subjects. After all, I am the person who will be standing up for your views in Parliament so it's important for you to let me know what you think! I try to ensure that everyone who writes to me receives a full reply within 2 to 3 weeks.