Over the last month, I have continued to meet regularly with constituents at my regular surgeries held across the constituency. A variety of issues are raised with me at these meetings, and I always seek to help my constituents. It is a pleasure to support the range of local coffee shops which have been kind enough to host my surgeries, and they are also an opportunity to keep in touch with what is happening on our high streets, the heart of our communities.

It is inevitable that many of the conversations that I have had recently have concerned the conduct of those in Downing Street during the periods of national lockdown. Since my last update readers will no doubt be aware that the report into the conduct of the Prime Minister has been released. In light of this report, the Prime Minister’s fine and my conversations with constituents, I joined many colleagues from across the country in reflecting our constituents’ view that a confidence vote was justified. The result of that vote was a clear message to the Prime Minister that he needs to demonstrate a change in tone and approach in order to avoid undermining the good work that we are doing in government and I will continue to push for a greater focus on the delivery of our commitments. We must work to restore the integrity of the Government so that we can continue to drive our legislative agenda and to support the most vulnerable from the cost of living crisis that we face as a nation.

While we prepare to scrutinise the forthcoming legislation, I welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement of £15 billion of support. Most importantly among these measures will be £1,200 of direct support to the eight million most vulnerable households while all domestic electricity customers will be receiving at least £400.

This support builds on previous measures outlined by the Government, and I look forward to seeing this help delivered to my constituents over the coming months.

First published: My Local News, June 2022