Meet the MP: Ian Murray

There are hundreds of new MPs. But what did they do before entering the Commons? What makes them tick? Meet the MP:

Name: Ian Murray

Party/Constituency: Labour MP for Edinburgh South:

Age: 33

Marital Status/Family: Long-term partner Hannah

Educated: University of Edinburgh - MA (Hons) Social Policy and Law.

What did you do before you were an MP?

I was a City of Edinburgh councillor and ran two very small businesses. One was an event management business that specialised in community festival events using Spiegeltents. The other is a small bar/bistro.

What were you like at school?

Probably a bit of a geek. I really enjoyed school and I would go back tomorrow if I could turn back the clock. I did enjoy the academic side but, mostly, I am a very social person and we had a very close knit group of friends. I wanted to get to school to see them and spend time with them.

What attracted you to politics?

Without sounding stereotypical, it was to make lives better. Every politician will tell you this but it is the way you want to make lives better that matters. I was brought up in an ordinary working class family on a housing estate in Edinburgh and when my father died when I was young we were left as a family to struggle.

The Tory government at the time just disregarded us as a "drain on society". There were dozens of families like us who, through no fault of their own, needed government help but didn't get it. Generations of young people written off, pensioners dying of cold in their homes, basic services left to wither. I don't want that to happen again. We must help those most in need.

What's the best/worst thing about being an MP?

Best - the real opportunity to change things for the better locally, nationally and internationally and help constituents with their problems

Worst - the very very long hours away from home and family

Who is your hero?

John Smith - the greatest Prime Minister never to have become Prime Minister. He was not only a great politician with values that I wholeheartedly share but he was quite simple a legend and a lovely, generous and kind individual.

What's your favourite song/piece of music?

I am a big fan of a lesser known Australian artist called Pete Murray. I stumbled across his music about three years ago when I was running a small world music event. Really relaxing and a great to listen to.

The most emotive piece of music is Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah. I was incredibly disappointed when it was covered by X Factor winners. It's just the most wonderfully emotive piece of music.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

Cheap.

I was selected to run in this election on 12 March and bought a new suit for the selection meeting. I was still wearing this suit, my only suit, ten days after election day. I just didn't get time or the money to buy a new one. My partner Hannah tries her best to smarten me up.

What's your idea of a good night out?

A meal with friends.

What can't you live without?

Cheese.

Tell us something we don't know about you?

An event I established and ran raised more than £100,000 for a Landmine Free World in 2004.

Contact details

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Tel: [phone]

[e-mail]