Chamber's secrets revealed to new and returning MPs

MPs gather in the House of Commons for the start of the new Parliament

For Yorkshire's new intake of MPs, arriving at the Palace of Westminster for the first time was like starting school, university and a new job all at once.

The recently elected representatives needed training sessions, tours of the building and a raft of meetings as they learned the ropes.

They were officially sworn in at the House of Commons as the first Labour government since 2010 took office.

The BBC has spoken to Labour and Lib Dem newcomers, a returning Conservative and an independent MP about their experiences.

'Sense of community'

Marie Tidball, the new Penistone and Stocksbridge Labour MP, said being sworn in was "really emotional"

Labour's Marie Tidball overturned a Conservative majority of 7,210 to replace Miriam Cates as the Penistone and Stocksbridge MP.

She grew up in the constituency near Barnsley and went to Penistone Grammar School. Her parents worked in education and she won a place to study law at Oxford from her state comprehensive.

Ms Tidball said there was already a "real sense of community" among the new MPs as they settled in, and described voting for the new Speaker for the first time in the chamber as an "amazing experience".

She was seated close to Sir Keir Starmer during his maiden speech as prime minister, though colleagues such as Katie White (Leeds North West) and Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield) had to watch from the gallery as the benches were full.

Ms Tidball added: "It was just something else. There is a huge sense of pride that so many people in the country backed a huge number of Labour MPs. It was a poignant moment.

"Being sworn in was hugely emotional, as you think of all the people at home who put their trust in you and sent you here."

Back for more

Conservative MP Robbie Moore returned to represent Keighley and Ilkley in 2024

Keighley and Ilkley is a "bellwether" seat which means it is normally won by whoever wins the election.

Labour targeted it in 2024, after Robbie Moore won it for the Conservatives in 2019 with a majority they felt they could overturn.

Yet Mr Moore was returned as MP again by a margin of 1,625 votes in a constituency with a healthy 62% turnout.

Mr Moore now resumes his work in the Commons as an opposition MP after his seat bucked the traditions of a bellwether.

He said: "Sitting in the chamber feels completely different.

"The nature of the job will change, particularly down in Westminster, but for me the day job doesn't actually change.

"I will always put the constituency first and at the heart of everything I do."

'Interesting conversations'

Tom Gordon, newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough

The Liberal Democrats had a resurgent time at the polls, and added 64 new MPs to bring their total to 72.

One of the newcomers was Tom Gordon, who won Harrogate and Knaresborough from the Conservatives and overturned Andrew Jones's 9,675 majority.

The Lib Dems' performance means they have reclaimed their position as the third party in the Commons.

Mr Gordon grew up in Knottingley, near Wakefield, and worked in policy roles in the charity sector before launching a political career.

He said: "There have been some interesting conversations about who sits where in the Commons chamber, and we arrived early for the first sitting to ensure the Lib Dems had somewhere to sit.

"The experience of being in the chamber for the first time was surreal, and watching Starmer's address was a 'pinch myself' moment."

'Looking forward'

Iqbal Mohamed was elected as an Independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley

Iqbal Mohamed won the new Dewsbury and Batley seat to become the first independent MP elected at a general election in Yorkshire since 1907.

He attributed a majority of around 7,000 to support among young Muslim voters for his pro-Palestinian stance.

However, Mr Mohamed now sits in the Commons without the support of a party machine behind him.

He grew up in Dewsbury as the son of Indian immigrants, and went on to study at Durham University and work as an IT consultant.

Mr Mohamed said: "Everyone has been friendly and helpful. Entering the Commons is the most honoured and privileged position.

"It is very humbling to walk in as a single person representing 70,000 voters.

"The job is not a burden; it gives me energy and enthusiasm. I am blessed and looking forward to every single day."

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