Mark Oaten, Lib Dem MP for Winchester, describes his experience on the Goresbrook Estate.
I end up feeling powerless as an MP. I can't answer some of the big questions about funding the repairs and I've grown fond enough of my new housemates not to give them political waffle. Time after time I have to admit there is no quick fix. I sense residents on the Goresbrook estate feel let down by me.
When I arrived there was an expectation that I was powerful, now they have seen I am as powerless as many of them. But I hope they've seen that MPs are human. They were amazed I could load a dishwasher, eat baked beans and watch Big Brother. They thought I would have a butler and never cook for myself.
I may not have knocked down the tower blocks, but I hope I broke down some barriers towards politicians. In the end they all came out to wave goodbye, lots of hugs and damn it, I am crying again!
Mark Oaten; Lib Dem MP for Winchester.
Read also Mark Oaten's testimonial about his experiences participating in the series.
