Julian Smith: I may be a new boy in Parliament, but I'm learning fast

In the aftermath of being elected, on my first Sunday as an MP, David Cameron invited new Conservative members to meet him to update us on how talks were going with the Liberal Democrats. Not only were I and 232 other new MPs entering a new environment in early May, but the world we had entered was going through some of the most historic and dramatic developments that it had seen for decades.

By Monday, May 10, and amid a frenzy of excitement as negotiations between the parties continued, I got my Commons entry pass and a series of inductions for new MP began – lots of useful tips from many senior MPs including from Harriet Harman. I am not usually a fan, but she gave some of the best advice we heard – don't worry about making mistakes in the Chamber, get stuck in immediately so you can represent your constituents from day one.

Those initial days also included many backbench meetings with David Cameron as he and others sought to establish a coalition Government. It was a surreal combination of going through the processes of starting a new role while being a part of some of the most crucial political meetings and tumultuous Parliamentary events for decades.

The first week also included some lighter moments. From a Cabinet Minister dropping his yoghurt on me and ruining my new suit, to being thrown off the Lib Dem, Nationalist and Unionist tables respectively in the Commons Tea Room. It has taken some time for me to realise that I have to drink my coffee at a Conservative table. And I am not sure if I will ever get used to, or be comfortable, with that.

The learning curve has been steep – how to table and ask questions in the Chamber, how best to collar Ministers on my constituents' behalf during late night voting, and how to effectively scrutinise legislation.

Being an MP involves a constant juggling act balancing speaking in the Chamber, dealing with 80-100 letters and emails each day and constituency surgeries and visits. I am only now beginning to feel

"in control" thanks largely to an excellent office team. Representing one of the largest geographical constituencies in England has also created challenges. I want to get round the whole constituency and ensure that every corner can meet their MP but it is 900 square miles so there is a lot of ground to cover.

Working out the most effective ways of representing all communities in this big constituency has been the most enjoyable but challenging part of my new role. I have launched a number of campaigns in the first months – to save Skipton's court, to get Masham put back on the map by returning the sign on the upgraded A1 and campaigning for hill farmers struggling with the bureaucratic replacement to the Hill Farm Allowance.

I am particularly delighted that one initiative that I set up during the election campaign to engage big local employers in community ideas is already resulting in an exciting mentoring network for the constituency. Chaired by Alan Halsall of Silver Cross Prams, this initiative will offer free mentoring to budding and existing entrepreneurs by experienced business people from the area.

Whether it is this or the local college's bid for a capital grant from government, or my now constant questioning of Defra about the need to solve quickly Labour's appalling legacy of late payments to our farmers, I am beginning to see that an activist MP may not win every battle but, with effective and rigorous campaigning, can get the issues of his constituents properly heard.

Representing my constituents also means representing Yorkshire more generally. That's why I have been so vocal in supporting the Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership – a business-led initiative to fill the post-Yorkshire Forward gap to ensure jobs and investment continues to come to our region.

From the autumn, Yorkshire Conservative MPs will be meeting with Ministers from across Government, as a group, month in, month out to make Yorkshire's case and be a strong voice.

Representing one of the most beautiful constituencies in the country, in England's best region and alongside a large number of talented colleagues, I feel incredibly lucky. Being an MP is a great privilege and very rewarding, but the biggest thing that the first few months have taught me is that, as a new boy, I still have a lot to learn.

Julian Smith is the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon.