We’re just over a year since the General Election and the night where the political norms were thrown out of the window with the Conservatives making huge gains in the North, more locally Bury returned two Conservative MPs for the first time in over 27 years.
A lot has changed since that night, but I remain as proud as I was the following morning waking up as the new Member of Parliament for Bury South.
Since then I’ve been working on the priorities that residents voted for; more money for schools alongside a new High School for Radcliffe, more bobbies on the beat and more doctors & nurses working in the NHS. However, we’ve only been able to do that because together we delivered Brexit and ended the two-year paralysis in Parliament.
As we hit the spring, the Coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe and our country and my deepest condolences go out to families affected by the virus. Whilst we were in lockdown, we saw the best of society, with volunteers collecting supplies for those shielding and befriending those who were isolated. My message to everyone who helped, is Thank You.
Whilst the virus has controlled the agenda for most of the year, I have still been working hard on the local issues that affect you every day. Pushing for greater investment to regenerate our high streets and town centres, the protection of our green belt from the Mayor’s housebuilding plan and working to deliver a new high school for Radcliffe which is so desperately needed.
In Parliament I’ve focussed on important issues like school breakfasts, left behind communities and child literacy. I will continue to work on these issues as part of my role on the Education Select Committee. Away from education I’ve been working on campaigns to ensure that visits can resume in care homes and that fathers are able to attend all pre-natal appointments and the birth of their children.
Whilst meetings in person and visits have now been replaced by Zoom meetings I still continue to engage with schools, businesses & charities as much as possible to ensure that assistance can be provided where it’s needed.
My team and I have been able to help thousands of residents with their issues and concerns over the last 12 months. We are always on hand to help and support you, wherever we can.
As we head into 2021, whilst much of the Country has severe restrictions imposed to protect us from Covid, we now have new hope with the Pfizer vaccine already approved and being rolled out and the Oxford vaccine likely to follow.
With the slow move back to normality, let us continue the generosity of spirit that has been shown during the pandemic and emerge as a stronger more compassionate society.
