A New MP’s Whirlwind Week of Tradition and Transformation
This has been a week of mixed emotions, with pride and joy tempered by cold reality.
I will never forget the immense honour and sense of responsibility as I was sworn into Parliament to represent the South Cotswolds. A new MP, serving a new constituency, in a new political landscape. All this while absorbing the shattering news that Dyson have placed a thousand jobs at risk and the need to take immediate action to help mitigate that impact.
Monday began with 57 brand new Lib Dem MPs gathering at party headquarters with the 15 who were re-elected. A jubilant Sir Ed Davey bounced into the room to welcome us. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the elation of unexpected victories and the anticipation of our new roles.
Then the cold blast of reality, as a firehose of information started and continued non-stop for the next two days.
There is a lot to being an MP besides being an MP. You aren’t ushered into an office with a team of eager staff awaiting orders.
There is no office – for now we’re all hot-desking in a committee room in Parliament. And there is no team – until you recruit your own.
Somebody described the House of Commons as 650 small business owners, so you’re essentially like a startup, sourcing premises and staff while doing your best to get to grips with new tech technology, systems, security, finances and parliamentary procedures.
But unlike a startup, you’re expected to be fully operational from day one.
My first constituency crisis hit on Tuesday, second day in the job, with the shock announcement of a thousand redundancies at Dyson. About ten minutes after I first heard the news, I was being interviewed about it by ITV and then BBC under an umbrella in Victoria Tower Gardens. I explained we needed to engage with Dyson urgently and protect as many jobs as possible, as well as reminding them of their responsibilities to staff and the local community.
Then on Thursday we had the bad news that Ofwat has placed Thames Water into special measures. This potentially jeopardises the long-awaited and desperately needed upgrades to Fairford Sewage Treatment Works. OfWat also approved big hikes in our water bills. Sewage dumping must stop, but not at the expense of bill payers.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Ed Miliband approved a massive solar development in East Anglia, in the face of strong cross-party and local community opposition. This will cause justified consternation among those of us opposed to the vast Lime Down Solar Park in the northern part of Wiltshire. I am reaching out to the Minister on this important issue.
I have already shared my actions on these and other issues through statements, press releases and social media, so I won’t repeat them here – but rest assured that throughout this first rollercoaster week, I have remained focused on my primary goal: serving the people of South Cotswolds.
Being an MP requires adaptability, quick thinking, and a constant commitment to prioritising constituents’ needs. As I navigate this new role, I’m determined to work tirelessly for the welfare of those I represent, facing each challenge with determination and humility.
A few of the things I’ve done this week…
✅ Attended Fairford Sewage and Flooding Multi-Agency meeting, and sent letter to Thames Water requesting confirmation that the proposed upgrades to Fairford Sewage Treatment Works would go ahead despite the special measures
✅ Sent letter to CEO of Dyson requesting a meeting to discuss the redundancies and what actions they will take to mitigate impacts
✅ Sent letter to Ed Miliband to request a meeting about large scale solar and to call for a coherent strategy on renewables that balances sustainability with food production and local interests
✅ Signed Early Day Motion for action on sewage
✅ Signed Early Day Motion asking for prompt compliance with the Ombudsman’s recommendations of compensation for WASPI women
✅ Hired an Office Manager to head up my constituency office (hi, Kate!)
✅ Hired part-time media team (hi Drea and Julian!)
✅ Hired first caseworker (hi, Claire!)
✅ Hired diary manager (hi, Miriam!)
✅ Attended the King’s Speech
Quote of the Week
“Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.”
– Mother Teresa
Have a great week!