Who do members of Parliament represent?

Answer 1

First and foremost they represent the political party they belong to. Many Members want to represent those that vote for them but the Party Whip and tight party discipline rarely allows that and never allows it on important votes.

Answer 2

There in lies the rub as they say.

They are meant to represent the people from their riding. The more local the parliament the better this idea seems to work. In Canada on the federal level it most often feels like the member of parliament represents his political party This is due to our party system.

A member can go to Ottawa with the best of intentions but if they fail to follow party lines, particularly if their party is in power, they will be kicked out of the party and have to sit as an independent. This will cost the member money and influence and often ends political careers.

As a result members tend to go back to their riding's and tell their constituents what a great thing it is they are doing in Ottawa, even if they are voting for policies the constituents do not agree with or for policies that work against the constituents best interest.

Answer 3

In a democratic setup, the members of parliament represent the people or the public and their grievances.