Reflecting on My First 100 Days as MP for Newbury

As I look back on my first 100 days as Newbury's MP, I feel an incredible sense of pride. We've built a strong foundation, from setting up the office and building a dedicated team to making sure Newbury's voice is heard in Parliament. Despite the summer and conference recesses falling during this period, my team and I have managed to accomplish a significant amount. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with local communities, address pressing issues, make my maiden speech, attend many drop-in sessions, and ensure Newbury’s voice is heard in Parliament.

Serving the People of Newbury: 750+ Cases, 35+ Surgery Sessions

In just 100 days, we’ve handled over 750 cases, from housing and healthcare to energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis and various things in-between. Through more than 35 surgeries, I’ve listened to constituents’ concerns and taken swift action—whether raising issues in Parliament or working with local services to find solutions. I’m pleased to say that Friday morning surgeries are now a key part of our weekly routine, ensuring we’re able to help constituents in need.

Championing Key Local Issues: Sewage, NHS, and Cost-of-Living

In my campaign to become MP for Newbury, I focussed on three core issues, and these issues have dominated much of my work so far.

• Sewage and Flooding: I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact repeated flooding has had on residents and businesses in Lambourn. That's why I’m committed to pushing Thames Water for long-term solutions—our communities deserve better. I’ve had discussions with Thames Water and other environmental agencies, pushing for long-term solutions to prevent repeated flooding and sewage leaks affecting our communities. I have spoken in Parliament about our precious chalk streams and met with Action for the River Kennet (ARK) to discuss these pressing issues. 
  
   
• NHS Support: Our healthcare system is stretched, and I’ve been actively campaigning for improved services, particularly at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH), local GP surgeries, dental surgeries, and pharmacies. I have also met with organisations such as Healthwatch, Falkland Surgery, and Response Mental Health. This will remain a key focus of mine as I continue to work with healthcare providers to ensure the people of Newbury have access to the care they deserve.
  
   
• Cost-of-Living Crisis: With costs rising for things like energy, food, and housing, my focus has been on ensuring the government provides better support for families. From energy bills to housing affordability, I’ve raised these issues in Parliament to ensure Newbury isn’t left behind. I have met with various organisations who are supporting local families, such as TUXchange, The Community Furniture Project, The Soup Kitchen, Community Larder, McCanns, and many other fantastic groups who are working hard for our community. 

Activities in Parliament: Advocacy and Engagement

During my first 100 days, I’ve also been actively involved in parliamentary activities to advocate for the needs of Newbury. Key highlights include:

• Maiden Speech: I delivered my maiden speech, outlining my priorities and commitment to serving the people of Newbury, to protect Newbury’s traditions & champion local issues.
• Voting: During my 100 days I have had the honour of voting on a number of matters, including voting to keep the winter fuel allowance, scrapping the two-child benefit cap, farming and food, and railway services.  
• Signing Early Day Motions (EDMs): I’ve signed several Early Day Motions (EDMs), covering crucial issues such as water prices, peace in Israel & Gaza, state pension age, child poverty, winter fuel payment, period poverty, pharmacies, parkrun and many more, highlighting concerns that matter to our community.
• Written Questions: I have submitted written questions on crucial topics, including driving tests, AI, housing, level crossings, and job seeker’s allowance seeking answers and action from relevant government departments.
• Debates and Discussions: I’ve participated in debates, adding spoken contributions to discussions around pressing issues like housing, the closure of our police custody suite, domestic abuse, chalk streams and more.
• Letters and Emails: I have written countless letters advocating for Newbury and sent over 1,230 emails regarding casework.
• Drop-in sessions and meetings: Free school meals for all, climate and nature bill petition, WASPI, Back British Farming, NHS, Pharmacies, SEND,
• All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs): I have joined several APPGs including Households in Temporary Accommodation, Private Rented Sector, Charities and Volunteering, Healthy Homes and Buildings, South East, Rural Services, Football, and Women's Football.

Engaging with Local Organisations

Beyond casework and parliamentary duties, one of the most rewarding parts of the job has been visiting local organisations to understand the vital work they do and the challenges they face. In just 100 days, I’ve had the privilege of visiting a number of these fabulous organisations including Berkshire Youth, The Waterside Centre, Falkland Grange Care Home, Park House School, St Gabriel’s school, Two Saints, Newbury Samaritans, Newbury Job Centre, Citizens Advice, NFU, The Jockey Club, Woodlanders Protection Group, The Watermill, Wash Common Festival, Shaw House, Thames Valley Police, Anchor, Newbury Pride, and so many more! I look forward to meeting many more of our fantastic community organisations and businesses soon. 
 

Looking Ahead

The next phase of my work will focus on continuing the momentum we’ve built. Over the next 100 days, I plan to:

• NHS: Keep up the pressure and push for better resources. I will be meeting with various other NHS organisations and doing what I can to help to raise the profile of the key issues.
• Schools and Education: With schools facing increasing pressures, I plan on visiting more schools across the constituency to discuss what support is needed for teachers, students, and parents alike.
• Thames Water and Sewage Solutions: I’ll continue pushing Thames Water to address the ongoing sewage and flooding issues that have plagued our local communities.

There’s a lot to do, and I’m confident that by working together, we can continue making Newbury a better place for everyone.

Your Voice in Parliament

I am grateful to everyone who has reached out, attended my surgeries, and shared their concerns. Here’s to the next 100 days.