Chelmsford is a wonderful city. It is a deep honour to have been re-elected as your Member of Parliament to represent the people of Chelmsford.
During the election period I knocked on well over 10,000 doors across the constituency. Thank you to everyone who took time to talk. Our city is packed full of hard-working people. It is also full of compassion, with many people and organisations who go the extra mile to help others.
MPs have now got together in Westminster where we have a long “to do” list. I’m looking forward to moving beyond the constant debates over Brexit and helping to deliver record investment in our NHS, more police and fairer funding for our schools. With our new medical school Chelmsford is already leading the way on building the NHS workforce of the future. The increases in police numbers that we have seen recently at Essex Police will soon start to be replicated across the UK, with more planned locally too.
One of my first tasks after the general election was to sign up new MPs to join the Conservative Environment Network. I helped found this organisation last year and it has already had a major impact with many of the proposals we suggested now being wrapped into government policy. 2020 will be a very important year for the environment with the UK due to host the massive Global Conference on Climate Change (COP 26) next December in Glasgow.
There were also a number of less high-profile commitments made in the manifesto which are important. Putting infrastructure first, before new homes are built, will be a game changer in areas like Chelmsford. The commitment to support flexible working will help many parents and carers. I have long campaigned for more investment into research into dementia and improved access to medicines for those with rare diseases, especially children, so it was good to see this in the manifesto. I also look forward to seeing greater investment in East Anglian rail, which was another commitment.
The biggest local issue locally was of course the Army and Navy. The first stages on taking down the flyover have already taken place and the full dismantling will start in the new year. I will continue to press for a new junction to be delivered in the fastest possible time frame, whilst also making sure that we get a proper long-term solution.
2020 will also be a very important year for Chelmsford. It marks 100 years since the first ever radio broadcast was sent across the world from Marconi factory in New Street. This started the communications revolution that we still experience today. In 2020 we will be hosting the British Science Festival in Chelmsford. It’s the first time this festival has ever been held in Essex.
I will be restarting my constituency surgeries in January. These are an opportunity for residents who have matters that they wish to discuss with me in a one on one meeting. In the meantime, do please stay in touch on [email protected]