It is a huge honour to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Chelmsford and my first week has been very busy.
The first time MPs spent the beginning of the week in a very intensive induction course in Westminster. Parliament protocols are complicated, so it was helpful to learn how best to use official questions and debates to resolve issues affecting local residents.
On Thursday, all the new MPs took the oath of allegiance which is the formal start of the new role. My first official meeting was sombre session about the terrible Grenfell Tower Fire. I have worked on the 50th floor of a tower block and I know that many Chelmsford commuters working in high rise buildings may be fearful. I asked the ministers for housing and the fire service to consider whether we need changes to fire-safety recommendations for office blocks as well as residential properties.
This week I visited two of our excellent local schools; Our Lady Immaculate and Newlands Spring. I was extremely impressed by the questions from the pupils in both schools, Jeremy Paxman beware!
I joined Anglia Ruskin University to celebrate their 25th birthday. I have worked with them during my time as East Anglia’s EuroMP. They have built a very strong reputation in areas like health and medical innovation, digital and creative industries. Many congratulations to all involved.
Thank you also to St Andrew’s Church for bringing together volunteers and leaders of groups from all across Chelmsford for a “Great Get Together” inspired by the late Jo Cox MP.
My predecessor, Sir Simon Burns, helped many people in Chelmsford and I will continue to give advice and help. It will take a few weeks to establish all the logistics but do email me on [email protected] if you need assistance.