As your newly elected Labour MP, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredible support and optimism that has greeted me. Representing Chatham and Aylesford is an honour, and every day I am committed to working tirelessly on your behalf. Special thanks to my agent, Jonathan Shaw, whose mentorship has been invaluable.
It has been a very busy six months! From establishing an office and hiring a dedicated team to delivering my Maiden Speech in Parliament, it’s been a manic yet rewarding start.
I intend to use this newsletter as a platform to share my thoughts on national policy, address topics raised by you, and discuss other matters of interest. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been tackling together:
Health
Our NHS in Medway is struggling and I’m working to hold the Kent & Medway ICB to account. I’m soon to meet with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to discuss transforming Chatham’s Debenhams into an elective care centre—aimed at reducing waiting lists and easing pressure on Medway Maritime.
Education
It won’t surprise you that as a former school teacher, I’m committed to our schools. I’ve committed to visiting them all, to understand their challenges and speak with our awe-inspiring students. As a result, I am engaging with the Department for Education to explore long-term capital investment solutions for RAAC and working for increased pedestrian safety around schools in Snodland.
Housing and Planning
Housing and planning remain key local challenges that we must get right. I’m working with Medway and Tonbridge & Malling Councils to advance planning policies and deliver affordable, high-quality homes. While Medway’s Local Plan nears completion, I’m pressing TMBC to address Local Plan stagnation. Housing issues form 20% of my casework, including long waiting lists, negligent landlords, and underperforming associations. Addressing these is a priority, and the long awaited Renter’s Rights Bill introduces essential protections for our tenants.
Business
Chatham, Aylesford, and the broader Medway region continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation:
- BAE Systems invests in a £220 million transformation of its Medway base into a cutting-edge technology hub will create 300 new jobs over five years.
- Buckmore Motorsport Centre proposes expansions include a 20,000 sq. ft facility with a restaurant, sports bar, and Formula 1 simulators, projected to create 30 jobs.
- Ascend Coworking Space, a Medway Council initiative, to develop a coworking hub in Chatham’s Pentagon Centre is expected to generate 242 jobs in three years.
Transport
Public transport across Chatham and Aylesford isn’t good enough, so I’m pleased to see £27 million earmarked to improve bus services across Kent and Medway. With this additional funding, I’ve urged colleagues to consider the reinstatement of the extended 155 bus service.
Thanks to the hard work of my colleagues, the scope and timescale on Luton Road’s partial resurfacing has been brought forward dramatically. Medway Council have confirmed that resurfacing work is set to start on 11th December 2024.
Assisted Dying
The vote in Parliament on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, led by my colleague Kim Leadbeater, was one of the most emotive pieces of legislation ever. As I communicated with hundreds of you in the lead-up to the vote, I planned to, and did, support the bill. For many terminally ill people in the UK, the options available are limited, often leading them to suffer needlessly, seek relief abroad, or face difficult choices alone. I believe that with stringent safeguards, we can responsibly extend the choice for those wishing to approach the end of their journey with dignity.
Israel-Palestine
We’ve all witnessed horrifying accounts of suffering; it’s a subject we cannot ignore. I have been working to represent constituents’ views and press for government action to help end this crisis. The plight of innocent civilians and children is urgent, and the brutality is unimaginable. This appalling situation must end now. I want this to stop, and so does the government. Their message, both publicly and privately, is clear: stop. Agree to a ceasefire and start building the long-overdue two-state peace. The UK can only work with partners to urge de-escalation and find solutions, but more can and must be done.
Winter Fuel
You may know that I made the decision to support means-testing the Winter Fuel Allowance due to the dire state of our public finances. By targeting this support more precisely, we can direct resources to those who need it most, while making savings that can be reinvested in essential services. In light of means-testing, Pension Credit uptake is incredibly important. I’ve written to over 1,500 households to let you know what support is available and how to access it.
Pollution
Our connection to water is central to what makes Medway unique. It defines our name, shapes our history, and is recognised worldwide. In my first weeks as your MP, many of you raised serious concerns about harmful chemicals in the river. Environment Agency tests have identified industrial chemicals, substances used in road paving, and even flea repellents. I have held urgent discussions with Southern Water and this issue matters deeply to our community, and I am committed to addressing it.
Community Visits
I thoroughly enjoy all my visits across the constituency, if you’ve invited me to visit you, your business or your place of worship, thank you. Here are 3 standouts:
- Remembrance Sunday: Reflecting on the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women is a key part of Medway’s proud military heritage.
- Driver Fountain Anniversary: I attended the unveiling of the Driver Fountain on its 125th anniversary after a decade-long campaign to restore it.
- Christmas at Martin Square: Switching on the Christmas lights in Larkfield was a delight, especially engaging with stallholders and enjoying the festive treats.
Constituency Round-Up
This year, we’ve conducted eight constituency surgeries, opened over 1,500 cases, ranging from improvements to recycling to historic miscarriages of justice, and distributed over 6,000 updates and invitations through your doors.
Parliamentary Round-Up
In Parliament, I have actively participated in debates on SEND provision, rural transport, school funding, apprenticeships, fly-tipping, and vapes. My engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) reflects my interests in wide range of issues, particularly in the areas of schools, sustainability, oceans, technology, and wine. For a detailed record, you can view my contributions on Hansard.
Lastly…
Finally, as we approach the festive season, I’d like to wish you and your family a Christmas full of joy and laughter. If I don’t get the chance to see you at events or on the doorstep beforehand, I hope you have a wonderful season and a bright start to the New Year.
Christmas can be difficult for some; if that’s you, support is available.
