This week has been my first during a Parliamentary recess – a period where Parliament is not sitting in Westminster and MPs can head back to the constituency. For me, and other new colleagues, it’s a very welcome opportunity to focus on getting the office set-up and responding to the casework that has come in since I was elected.
When people ask me what it’s like as a new MP, the closest analogy I have found is that it is like setting up a medium sized business overnight, covering 2 physical locations when your customers are already queuing out of the door. That brings with it immense excitement, as I want to hit the ground running and repay the trust you put in me at the election, but it also brings challenges.
Over the last two months I’ve received thousands of emails and letters ranging from requests to meet, asking for help on particular issues and words of congratulations. I am pleased to say though that I’m almost through this “initial wave” and the office in Burnley is almost ready to open its doors. But if you are one of those still waiting for a response, rest assured I will be in touch soon.
One thing that has been particularly striking since the election has been the optimism that I have come across, which was perfectly exampled by my visit to the local brewery Moorhouse’s earlier this week. There, I was able to discuss the impact of beer duty on small and medium sized breweries and my commitment to creating an attractive environment for all businesses to thrive throughout the town.
And since the election I have also been getting to grips with how Parliament itself works. For those who follow me on Facebook, you will have seen me stand up in the House of Commons Chamber asking questions on issues such as rail improvements, the local NHS and flooding in Padiham. These opportunities are invaluable, ensuring the issues we care about here are firmly on the radar of government ministers.
As I look ahead to the coming weeks when Parliament returns, I am planning my maiden speech in the House of Commons. This will be my first substantive speech in the Chamber, and whilst I won’t say too much on it at this stage, I’m happy with how the drafting is coming along!
