Diary of an MP - Building confidence in Northamptonshire

One of the best parts of this job is seeing, up close, the ambition and confidence that exists across our county.

Last week, I stood in a room full of hospitality and tourism businesses from across Northamptonshire at the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network dinner, hosted by Delapre Abbey, to share my hopes and vision. With independent venues, local attractions, restaurants, hoteliers and organisers in attendance, it was a brilliant opportunity to hear from business and showcase what our town and county have to offer. We sometimes undersell ourselves, but there is real pride and creativity in our visitor economy. These businesses support local jobs, bring people into our town and help shape how others see Northampton. We all have our local favourites, but if there are local venues or events that you think deserve a bigger spotlight, I would love to hear from you.

That same sense of confidence was clear when I met the East Midlands Academy Trust’s Pupil Parliament. Students from schools across our town grilled me on what it is like to be an MP and how decisions are made. Their questions were thoughtful, direct and sometimes challenging. Young people have a way of reminding you that politics should never be distant. Everyone in Northampton should feel that public life is open to them.

We are a county that builds. Construction employs thousands of local people and underpins our prosperity. I regularly meet firms across the sector, from established contractors to innovative modular specialists like My-Fab, who I met last week, to understand how new techniques are creating skilled jobs here at home. Growth only happens if local people can access those opportunities.

Along that vein, it was also encouraging to see the expansion of A&E and Urgent Care facilities at Northampton General Hospital progressing well. Investment in our hospital matters to every family in our town and seeing that work take shape is a visible sign of long-term commitment to Northampton.

Alongside these visits, it’s been a busy fortnight responding to iplenty of emails and continuing to host my regular advice surgeries. Whether it is housing, healthcare or other local concerns, my team and I are here to help.

Northampton is moving forward. My job is to keep backing the people and projects that are making that happen.