IT’S nearly two and a half years since I was elected, and I can wholeheartedly say that being an MP is absolutely a full-time job.

In that time, my office and I have helped over 1,500 people with individual problems, and have responded to 5,000-6,000 letters and emails.

I’ve listened to arguments put forward by those who say it’s not a full-time role, and that there’s ample time for MPs to take on second jobs (and second salaries), but I simply cannot understand how this can be the case, either practically or morally.

The key responsibilities of an MP are as both a legislator in Westminster and a constituency advocate.

In Westminster, the working week is about far more than just turning up for votes.

There’s committee work, where MPs scrutinise the work/expenditure of the government, and examine proposals for legislation; there are cross-party groups; and there are many meetings with local and national campaign organisations and individual constituents.

While in the constituency, I deal with hundreds of pieces of ongoing casework, meet constituents at my surgeries or on the doorstep, attend local events, and meet regularly with police, the councils in both the Vale and Cardiff, local community and faith leaders, and more. Much of this is on Saturdays and often Sundays.

In recess, when Parliament is not sitting, it’s more a case of catching up with constituency work than taking time off; I must always be contactable in case of emergencies, and up-to-date with local/national developments (since I was elected, Parliament has been recalled for crucial votes on Syria and action against ISIL).

It’s never a case of switching off, which is why I believe it’s nonsense to suggest being an MP is anything less than a full-time job.

What’s more, I’m paid well for the role, and find arguments that MPs should also be able to earn huge amounts through paid directorships and consultancies, extraordinary.

The idea that these paid roles help make better laws is a diversion. Supporting a local charity as patron is one thing; earning thousands for advising a foreign government or oil company is quite another.

This sort of thing brings the reputation of our political system down. It’s why Labour asked the House to back our ban on paid directorships and consultancies – a move voted down by the Tories.

In my view, MPs should be dedicated to serving their constituents. People need to know that when they vote, they are electing someone who will represent them directly, and not be swayed by what they may owe to the interests of others.

I spoke about this on BBC1’s The Big Questions on Sunday – watch it on iPlayer at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05513y4/the-big-questions-series-8-episode-8.