THE LATEST
NEWS
Every child caught with a knife to get tailored support
Young people will be given a mandatory targeted plan to stop them reoffending and protect the public.
Secretary of State to join me at Blackpool Jobs Fair 2026
The Secretary of State has agreed to open the event hot off the news that his department is launching a new mobile jobs centre service in our town to break down the barriers that stop people finding good work.
Labour is making the online world safer for children
The digital world offers huge opportunities for learning, creativity and connection, but it also exposes young people to risks that simply didn’t exist when I was growing up. This government is taking action.
Meeting the Chancellor following the Waterloo Road fire
Yesterday I sat down with the Chancellor at 11 Downing Street to talk about South Shore. I went there with one message. Our community needs urgent investment and it needs it now.
Treating cancer differently
Our new National Cancer Plan represents a fundamental shift in how we care for people with cancer – one that recognises that treatment is only part of the story.
A turning point for road safety
The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy is the first comprehensive plan in over a decade to make our roads safer for everyone.
Government strengthens support for child victims
The Labour Government has announced plans for a new Victims’ Code which will provide better support to child victims in Blackpool to understand their rights and how to get the help they need to recover.
Reading comes in many forms – and every one of them counts
For some people reading comes easily. For others, like me, it doesn’t. I found my way into stories, ideas and learning through a different door and that’s one of the reasons I welcome Labour working with the National Literacy Trust to name 2026 the National Year of Reading.
Residents take Pride in Grange Park
Around 80 residents of Grange Park turned out over two days last week to help design the future of your estate.
Meeting with Chancellor to discuss regeneration plans for South Shore
Yesterday I secured a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss long-term investment and regeneration in South Shore – one of the most deprived areas in the country – after shining a spotlight on the area in Parliament.
Tourism delivers for Britain – the Government must deliver for tourism
In my role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, I’ve been pushing the government for recognition that the UK’s visitor economy is far more than a pleasant distraction – it’s an economic force and part of our national prosperity.
Labour’s once-in-a-generation overhaul of the water system
Sweeping reforms made by the Labour government are set to clean up the water industry, strengthen regulation and put an end to failing water companies marking their own homework.
Share your experience of maternity services
Have you used maternity or neonatal services in England? Share your experience with the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation and help shape the future of care for women and families across the country.
Tramtown: statement on its future
Last week the future of the 90 year old engineering workshed that serves our heritage trams and acts as a visitor attraction – Tramtown – was called into question as a council report revealed it is in need of millions of pounds of repairs.
Mental health support on Blue Monday
The festive season has passed, the days are short, money is tight and many people feel worn down or isolated. Blue Monday is here – a day often described as the most difficult of the year for mental health.
Government acts on screen time and young children
New evidence shows screen use in the early years can create real problems with language. The government is now developing the first national guidance on screen time for under-fives, shaped with parents and early years workers.
Blackpool Jobs Fair is back – bigger, better and focused on career progression
I’m constantly working to build a better Blackpool, and a big part of that mission is to get you working too. I’m happy to announce that my annual jobs fair – Blackpool’s biggest ever – is returning to the Winter Gardens Conference Centre on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Ten Years Stolen: Blackpool’s future is Britain’s test
My son was born in Blackpool. That simple fact means he is destined to live ten years less than a boy born in Hampshire. This isn’t down to fate or chance, but policy choices. Unless we act, they will inherit a Britain that rewards wealth and punishes geography.
Survey: Help shape the future of Layton and Grange Park
Are you a resident of Layton or Grange Park? I want to hear your views on how the area should be improved.
By rejecting division and decline, we are building a better Blackpool and a Britain built for all
2026 is the year Britain turns a corner, and in Blackpool we’re going to do it together.

