Whilst I was your MP for Stafford, I had a clear record of delivery. Here are my priorities from 2019, and my success in delivery.
1. Delivering Brexit
Seven days after I was elected as MP for Stafford, I voted to get Brexit done and delivered on one of my key election pledges.
2. Fighting for Local Services
NHS: I repeatedly raised NHS provision for Stafford in Parliament including during PMQs. I also founded and launched the Stafford Mental Health network with the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I continuously made the case to the Government of the importance of our County Hospital and how A&E services are critical local infrastructure.
Schools: I'm committed to fairer funding for Staffordshire's schools and colleges. Whilst your MP, I helped secure Government funding for numerous schools and colleges in the constituency. This included £13 million to transform Stafford College into a new Institute of Technology. This continues to be a top priority for me, and I will keep standing up for schools and colleges in Stafford.
3. Improving Infrastructure
HS2: Local residents expressed concerns about the impact of HS2. I brought the HS2 Minister to Stafford to speak with local residents who have been affected. I also visited affected villages for the proposed route, from Hopton to the Haywoods, and met with the Department of Transport. I led the first debate in Parliament for fair compensation for those affected by HS2. I spent the whole of my term campaigning for a better deal for the people of Stafford.
Western Access Road: I was elected on a pledge to open Stafford’s Western Access Route. Having campaigned tirelessly both locally and in Parliament, I was delighted to attend the opening of Stafford’s Western Access Route in November 2021. This new route has eased congestion for local Staffordshire residents, as well as providing safer access through enhanced cyclist and pedestrian routes.
Superfast broadband: Like the Conservative Government I was part of, I was committed to rolling out super-fast broadband across the UK. I repeatedly raised in Parliament the need for people in Staffordshire to have better rural broadband. I was pleased to have helped secure a broadband upgrade for over 76,000 homes and businesses in Staffordshire as part of the Government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit fund.
4. Supporting Rural Business and Agriculture
As someone who grew up in a small rural village, I was committed to our farms and rural businesses which are at the heart of sustainable rural communities. I stood up for Staffordshire farmers both locally and in Parliament, including holding a debate in Westminster Hall for Back British Farming Day. I also launched and co-chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fruit, Vegetables and Horticulture, which enabled Parliamentarians to back British farming. I regularly met with local NFU members and showed my support for our local Staffordshire farmers.
5. Backing our Armed Forces
Stafford was privileged to have MOD Stafford in its boundaries. Whilst an MP, I visited MOD Stafford on numerous occasions, and worked closely with them locally and in Parliament to back our service men and women. I completed the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme over the course of a year, which helped me to gain further insight into military life. It was an honour to support our armed forces and I thank them for their dedicated service.
6. More High Quality Jobs
I campaigned tirelessly both locally and in Parliament to help to secure more high-quality jobs in Stafford. I am pleased to have held two (I hope to be) annual Jobs Fair in Stafford to help local people discover more employment opportunities in Staffordshire. I was also delighted to have opened the new Shire Hall Business Centre in Stafford delivering on another key 2019 election pledge. I raised the £1.6 million for this project with the Prime Minister at meetings in No 10 and directly with the Secretary of State. I will always continue to support those seeking work.