Today marks one year since I was elected to serve as the first Labour MP for Hexham. It remains the privilege of my life to represent the community that raised me, the place where I went to school and where I live with my fiancée. This constituency is my home, and I care deeply about its future. It is a special place and I will never take for granted the trust that local people have placed in me.
This job is not one I underestimate. Every day I am reminded of the responsibility that comes with it. The responsibility to stand up for our communities, to listen to residents and to be your voice in Westminster. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together in this first year, but I know there is much more still to do.
Over the past twelve months, my team and I have worked hard to deliver for local people. Since being elected, I’ve made 113 spoken contributions in Parliament, highlighting issues from rural connectivity and the lack of affordable housing to small businesses desperate for government support and the SEND crisis in schools across our constituency. I have also submitted 75 written questions to Government departments, pressing for answers on the matters that affect our daily lives.
Locally, we’ve hosted 28 advice surgeries at which I have spoken directly with more than 300 constituents. My office has closed over 6,000 cases, helping residents facing a range of difficulties. From securing places in special schools for children with additional needs to expediting surgeries for those left on NHS waiting lists for too long and helping families access secure housing, securing real, tangible results for constituents are my proudest moments.
I want to say thank you to everyone who has taken part in our local democracy this past year, whether that be by voting, writing in, calling, attending a surgery, or simply checking in on the work I’ve been doing on your behalf. And to my brilliant team, thank you for everything you do to serve the people of Hexham constituency.
This first year has shown what we can achieve together. But the work doesn’t stop here. I’ll keep fighting for a better deal for our constituency and I will never stop working to keep your trust.
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