AN EAST END politician has thrown himself into the heart of the community he serves - by trying out a variety of jobs.

MP David Linden has put himself in the shoes of his constituents through a week worth of work placements for a second year in a row.

His second take of In Your Shoes placements was decided by his followers on social media who voted for the jobs they wanted him to try.

He volunteered at a food bank; helped elderly residents of Greenfield care home; delivered mail in Baillieston; worked as a housing officer in Parkhead, and supported teachers at a primary school in Shettleston.

He said: “I’ve long believed that, if politicians are to truly represent their constituents to the very best of their abilities, then we need to be prepared to roll up our sleeves and put ourselves in the shoes of others.

“In Parliament we’re often given a platform to make speeches and tell the Government what we think but that’s got to be based on our experience here, on the ground, in our own constituencies. Being an MP can’t just be shuttling backwards and forwards between Glasgow and the green benches of Westminster."

He added: “Everyday, tens of thousands of my constituents go to work and do all kinds of different jobs and I genuinely believe that I can represent them – and their respective interests – better when I’ve taken a bit of time to understand the challenges they face each and every day.

“In all of my days ‘In Your Shoes’, I’ve not spent my time with the big boss, getting the company message or the corporate spiel. Instead, it’s been time spent with extraordinary foodbank volunteers, dedicated housing officers, devoted posties, committed carers and kitchen assistants and passionate support for learning workers.

“Having kept people updated with daily videos and blog posts detailing my experiences, I’ve found the online reaction to be hugely positive. In Your Shoes has proven immensely popular and will definitely be back bigger and better for a third instalment.”

We reported last year that Mr Linden pulled pints at the Tavern Bar in Tollcross and became a firefighter for the day in Easterhouse.