SWINDON'S newly elected MPs arrived in Westminster yesterday – as senior Tories and Liberal Democrats continued attempts to agree a national power-sharing deal.

Both South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, were elected for the first time last week. They are among 232 new MPs nationally, and yesterday many were visiting Parliament for the first time as elected members.

On arrival they were given green stickers to wear to identify themselves as newbies, as well as a guidebook to help familiarise them with some of the stranger rules and traditions of the House of Commons. Their induction period will last until next Tuesday, when the new Parliament is scheduled to sit for the first time.

Yesterday evening, Mr Buckland and Mr Tomlinson were due to attend a key meeting of the Tory Parliamentary party to discuss proposals to form a government with the support of the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Buckland, speaking ahead of the meeting, said: “There comes a time in politics when you have got to say tribalism will only take you so far. The public are crying out for new government, and they want action on a range of issues. We would be failing in our duty if we don't come together to work out the best way for Britain. What I’m seeing is positive and encouraging. It’s very exciting for the people of this country and I'm optimistic that the national interest will prevail.”

Asked how he felt to be arriving in Westminster, he said: “It's immense, there are so many conflicting emotions, and this is something I have wanted to do for a long time. The reality is beginning to dawn on me that I will be there as an MP.”

Mr Buckland said he had been invited to share a desk with Tory transport spokeswoman Theresa Villiers while he waited to be allocated a desk of his own.

He said: “I will be a new boy, and it's like the first day of term. I'm even going to be given my own locker. But as soon as I find my feet I will get going for the people of South Swindon.”

Mr Tomlinson, who also arrived in Westminster mid-morning yesterday, said: “I've been shown where everything is, given my pass, and I've just sent my first email. Over the next three days we'll have formal training in how the office works and how to deal with case work. I've had to pinch myself that I'm actually really here. I'm raring to go and I want to learn the ropes as quickly as possible.”