It was an honour to be elected as the first Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, and I promise I will not let you down. I will work tirelessly to make sure the needs of this constituency are front and centre in the corridors of power.
Our constituency team is now up and running and deals efficiently with all your enquiries. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have a problem; we are here to help.
While in Westminster, I have been having meetings with key organisations who are able to make a difference to people in Southend, as well as government ministers, where I have been making the case for our city, and I have been talking to charities to understand what they can do for you.
Your Voice Matters!
I have held my first surgery, and if you have a specific problem we can help you with, do make an appointment through my office. Rest assured, we are working hard for you. There will be another surgery at the end of this month, and every month for the foreseeable future.
Now Parliament is up and running, we have been working to deliver change at breakneck speed. In the first fortnight, Labour has introduced key measures on energy, railways, and our local buses.
I am pleased that the government is bringing forward a bill on Football Governance to prevent recent events at Southend United from happening again.
Back in Southend, I have visited South Essex College on GCSE day, attended the Merchant Navy Day in Leigh with the mayor and city council leader, and have been given a very illuminating tour of Southend Hospital. Improving healthcare is one of my key commitments, and I shall be campaigning for investment in Southend University Hospital. We need more beds, more facilities, and better outcomes for you all.
I am also fighting to combat anti-social behaviour. I know that many of you do not feel safe on our streets; that must change. I will make sure we get our fair share of community support officers after Labour’s national pledge to increase resources.
Cleaning Up Southend and Leigh’s Beaches
And first and foremost, we are going to clean up our waters. The beaches in Southend and Leigh are the jewel in our crown, and I am determined to remove the scourge of sewage from our estuary. We are holding a water quality summit in November, when I hope to make significant progress.
It is a privilege to be your MP for Southend West and Leigh, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. This is a bright era of Labour-led change for all of us.