MP for Change

Being the new Valley MP and starting work in Westminster is a fantastic privilege and I have enjoyed every minute of representing Rossendale. I have already made some progress and I am starting to get on top of my mail.

Being the new Valley MP and starting work in Westminster is a fantastic privilege and I have enjoyed every minute of representing Rossendale. I have already made some progress and I am starting to get on top of my mail. Last Monday it took me two and a half hours to open the post with a diverse range of queries from buses in Bacup to my views on the occupation of Gaza. I have also been receiving about 120 emails every day. I am in the process of setting up my office here in Rossendale, so please bear with me if you are one of those who has contacted me, I will be in touch as soon as I can. I intend to be available here in Rossendale as much as possible and as well as doing 6 advice surgeries a month I am working towards holding ‘Super Surgeries’ in conjunction with Rossendale Borough Council. These will be a bit like ‘question time’ and will move around the Valley giving you the opportunity to hold your local public servants to account. While in London last week I was surprised to be invited to Downing Street for a drink with our new Prime Minister, David Cameron. David asked me what my hopes are for the Valley. I told David that I would be championing the regeneration of our town centres. People care deeply about our towns. I was reminded of this earlier today when, while walking up Bank Street three people asked what was happening with the Valley Centre. Believe me, I told them, “if I could I would go and knock it down myself with a sledgehammer.” However, seeing as that is not really an option I am working with the Council to ensure that this disgraceful blot on the Valley landscape is dealt with as soon as possible.” As your new MP for the Valley I will always do my best to work for you and for our area and this means being a champion for local regeneration.