I have now been MP for Faversham and Mid Kent for 12 weeks, so I thought it would be a good time to report back.
Before the election I spent time all over the constituency, sometimes answering questions but mainly listening. I’ve continued since; visits and meetings have filled my diary on Fridays (when I don’t have to be in Westminster) and local events at weekends. A morning at Maidstone’s Citizens Advice Bureau gave me an insight into some difficult individual situations, as well as the dysfunctionality of the current benefits system. CAB advisers have a wealth of knowledge to draw on. Visits to The Abbey School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar gave me the chance to speak to students; they defied the stereotype of young people not being interested in politics.
My first campaigns focused on concerns raised before the election. Just four days after I became the MP, I spoke in the Public Enquiry on Waterside Park at Junction 8. We’ve just heard the good news that the Planning Inspector rejected the development. Though we need industry (and the jobs it brings), it has to be in the right place.
With the NHS as the number one worry, I have been visiting local services. After getting several letters about public transport to Estuary View Medical Centre, I tried it out for myself. As a result, East Kent NHS is now giving better journey information to patients – a start, but probably not the solution.
The last four weeks have been dominated by Operation Stack, which has caused unbelievable disruption and distress. I have been pressing ministers for an urgent solution. We seem to have progress, with Highways England looking at a contraflow on the M20 and using the M26.
In Westminster, I’ve prioritised getting my office set up so I can deal effectively with constituents’ concerns, raising the profile of local problems like Operation Stack and poor school funding, and contributing to debates on Healthcare and Welfare. I made my maiden speech during the Queens Speech debate on Health and Social Care, drawing on my experience working in healthcare. Among other things, I called for more information to be made public about the quality of care and urged MPs to stop treating the NHS as a political football. Time will tell. I have also been elected to the Health Select Committee, which will give me a platform for scrutinising health policy and performance. We have already spent 4 hours questioning the Head of the NHS England, the Medical Director and the Chief Nurse. Next up in early September is Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State.
Now that Parliament is in recess I’m seizing the chance to spend more time in the constituency, with many visits planned including Maidstone Hospital, MIND, the Job Centre, Southern Water, Southeastern Rail and Faversham Business Partnership. I’ve also got two surgeries coming up - please check my website if you would like to book an appointment. Happy holidays!