A year of change: my top 10 moments of the last year
There have been so many incredible moments during my first year as your MP. As the one year mark approaches since Labour’s win in the 2024 general and I reflect on the past 12 months, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a difference in my community. Here are the top 10 moments that have made it unforgettable for me.
10. Meeting the King at Buckingham Palace
Meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace was surreal – but also a proud moment to represent Blackpool South. We spoke about our town’s potential and, when the Queen told me how much of a Strictly fan she is, I invited them for a spin around the Tower Ballroom. King Charles said it was nice to see a local person represent Blackpool. It was a short but meaningful conversation about regeneration, pride and what makes Blackpool special. The visit reminded me that I have a vital opportunity to bring our town’s story to the heart of power.
9. Chairing the APPG for Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism is the beating heart of Blackpool – it creates jobs, builds careers and keeps our economy moving. I’m proud to have been elected Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tourism and Hospitality – giving Blackpool South a strong voice in shaping national policy for the industries that matter to us. From championing hospitality workers’ rights to pushing for fairer investment, I’m using this platform to make sure Blackpool gets its fair share.
8. Producing My Child Poverty Report
In March I launched my child poverty report: The Impact of the Cost of Living on Childhood in Blackpool South. It shares the lived experiences of local families and shines a light on the hard truths. I handed the report to DWP Secretary Liz Kendall, who praised its depth. It’s now feeding directly into the government’s Child Poverty Taskforce. Our community’s voice is being heard loud and clear in Westminster – because Blackpool kids shouldn’t be left behind.
7. Securing Investment for Layton and Grange Park
Layton and Grange Park are close to my heart – it’s where I grew up and went to school. So I was thrilled to help secure £20 million in long-term regeneration funding for the area. This isn’t just cash – it’s power in the hands of local people to shape their own future, whether that's on safer streets, better homes, or more youth services. This funding will go where it’s needed most. I’ve fought hard for our voices to be heard, and this is proof that Blackpool South is no longer being overlooked.
6. Campaigning for Affordable Infant Formula
As a new dad, I know the cost of infant milk is a real worry for struggling families. That’s why I launched a campaign to make formula more affordable, delivering a petition with over 107,000 signatures to Downing Street. One campaign win is that food banks can now stock infant formula widely – a change I fought hard for. My office has secured huge donations of formula to be distributed directly to families in need across Blackpool and it is now readily available to anyone who needs it via local food and baby banks.
5. Visiting Charities and Meeting Inspirational People
One of the most rewarding parts of being an MP is spending time with the charities that hold our community together. From food banks to support services, I’ve met so many inspiring people doing life-changing work in Blackpool this last year. I’ll never forget meeting Jenna, an 18-year-old helped by Streetlife. She’d secured a flat but didn’t have a fridge – so we got one to her that same day. These visits remind me that our third sector shows the best of Blackpool – compassion and a belief that no one should be left behind.
4. Visiting Schools Across Blackpool South
Most Fridays I visit a local school – and it’s genuinely the highlight of my week. From thoughtful debates with Year 6 to the Reception classes singing to me, I’ve been inspired by the next generation. AI’ve been quizzed by children on everything from homelessness to Roblox and from abortion law to pizza toppings. These visits bring home why this job matters – it’s about giving every child in Blackpool South the chance to dream, grow and succeed.
3. Delivering My Maiden Speech (Under Pressure!)
I was only 20 days into the job when the Prime Minister called a general election – leaving me just 48 hours to write and deliver my maiden speech. If I missed it, I risked being remembered as the MP who never gave one! But I thrive under pressure, and I spoke with pride about Blackpool’s people, challenges and potential. It wasn’t about pomp and ceremony – it was about making sure Westminster knows who we are, what we face and what we’re fighting for.
2. Casework Wins: Making a Real Difference
Behind every email and phone call to my office is a real person – and helping them is the most important thing I do. Over 7,000 people have contacted me this year, and every case matters. One I’ll always remember is Emma and her three kids, stuck living in a B&B dining room in the middle of summer. With my team’s help, they got a proper home. That’s what this job is really about – cutting through the red tape to help people live with dignity. Politics can feel distant from our daily lives but for me, it starts and ends with people.
1. Hosting Blackpool’s Biggest Ever Jobs Fair
Back in February, we made history – hosting Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair. Over 4,000 people came through the doors of the Winter Gardens Conference Centre to meet 100 employers offering over 1,500 vacancies. From BAE Systems to the NHS, there were real opportunities – and hundreds walked away with interviews or even jobs that day. It wasn’t just about employment, it was about hope, ambition and belief in our town’s potential.
