Tuesday 24 December 2019

Christmas column


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.