Westminster behind the scenes with new Didcot and Wantage MP

Liberal Democrat Olly Glover was elected MP for Didcot and Wantage in the early hours of Friday, July 5, during the General Election count at Abingdon’s White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Beating previous incumbent David Johnston by a majority of 6,233, Mr Glover became one of five Liberal Democrat MPs in the county.

After completing his first two weeks in the role with visits to Westminster, London, Mr Glover spoke to us about how he is getting on.

READ MORE: David Johnston loses seat as Olly Glover and Lib Dems win Didcot and Wantage

Olly Glover on election night earlier this month. (Image: Newsquest)

“This time has been dominated by essential training and briefing,” he said.

“Parliament has sought to learn from past scandals over expenses and poor behaviour.

“As a result, new MPs are taking thorough compulsory sessions on appropriate use of public money, behavioural conduct, and the workings of Parliament.

“There has also been the more basic challenge of learning to navigate the parliamentary estate.

“There are several buildings, all connected, and the main parliament building has been altered many times over the decades.

READ MORE: Lib Dem MP Olly Glover speaks for first time after seat win

Olly Glover being sworn into parliament. (Image: parliamentlive.tv)

“I can now find everywhere I need, although I suspect still not yet by the most efficient route.”

Mr Glover was also sworn in during his first days at Westminster which left the Oxfordshire politician positively taken aback by the modern take on longstanding traditions.

“There is much about Parliament that remains deep-seated in tradition and ritual but one sign of modernisation really touched me,” he added.

“When taking the oath of office, I saw the table which contains all the options by which MPs can show their commitment.

“All kinds of religious text are available. MPs can swear or affirm their allegiance to the King in English, Cornish, Gaelic, and other languages of the British Isles.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire MPs say Thames Water must stop its 'vandalism'

Olly Glover speaks after defeating David Johnston. (Image: Newsquest)

“This recognition of the diversity of the membership of our modern Parliament is very much to be welcomed.”

The mild-mannered politician won over voters with his takes on the local area as well as his favourite flavour of crisps and fondness for Kylie Minogue.

“[My favourite crisps are] definitely salt and vinegar, as I like the intensity of the vinegar flavour,” he said prior to the election.

“[As for music] I got the opportunity to go to a Kylie Minogue concert at Earls Court in 2005, and that was really something."

Yet Kylie and the crisps can wait for now though as Mr Glover has made a start on serious local topics, calling out Thames Water this week over their “environmental vandalism”.

READ MORE: Henley turns Lib Dem for the first time in 114 YEARS

Olly Glover in Westminster, London. (Image: Olly Glover)

"There are problems with the full nationalisation of the water companies, not least the impact that would have on the public finances as the government would assume responsibility for the massive debts they have accrued.

"However, I would like to see them turned into public benefit companies, whereby the water regulator would force them to be run for the good of the environment, as well as for profit.

"This would also require the replacement of Ofwat with a regulator that has more teeth."

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