Hello West Briton readers!
I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as Member of
Parliament for Truro and Falmouth.
This first column also doubles as my Christmas message, so
there is a lot to cram in!
Life has moved quickly since my selection in November
following the decision by my predecessor Sarah Newton to stand down. I pay
tribute to her time as MP for Truro and Falmouth where she achieved a great
deal for our area.
Thank you to my campaign team, all the volunteers who have
been out every day helping me get my name and positive message out there, as
well as my family who have put up with the long hours!
Although I am new to being an MP I am not new to Cornish
politics, having served as a Cornwall Councillor for several years previously.
Regardless of their political affiliation, I believe
everyone gets involved in politics for the same reasons – to help make the
areas they represent better places to live, work and grow up in.
I am lucky to have the support of such a great bunch of
experienced Cornish MPs in my colleagues, who have already done so much to show
that the best place for Cornwall to be is represented by six Conservative MPs
at the heart of Government.
Together we are a strong voice for Cornwall and I will
continue to support them in getting our voice heard and making sure Cornwall
continues to attract funding for our NHS, schools and police among many other
things.
I have already been up to Parliament last week and been
sworn in. This an ancient and solemn tradition of our Parliament and means I
can now officially speak in the Chamber of the House of Commons.
In the New Year I will be establishing an office and getting
on with the crucial national and local work that being your Member of
Parliament is about.
I will be writing more about myself and my priorities for
this area in the coming weeks and months in future columns but for now, rest
assured that I will be doing all I can to be you effective voice for Truro and
Falmouth at the heart of government.
Finally, may I take the opportunity to
wish all readers of the West Briton a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Happy
New Year, as well as highlighting all the amazing work done by those in the
armed forces, emergency services, NHS, care and hospitality sectors who simply
do not stop over the festive season.
