Marking 2 years as your MP

Two years ago, the people of Blackpool South voted for change.

You voted for me because I was born and bred in Blackpool. I understand the scale of the challenges we face but I also understand what makes Blackpool brilliant. And I was willing to shout about both things and get us the positive attention we deserve. 

I promised to help people through the cost-of-living crisis. To tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. And to bring better jobs and opportunities to local people.

Two years on, we've delivered real progress – scrapping the two-child benefit limit, securing a neighbourhood police officer in every Blackpool South Ward, and hosting Blackpool’s biggest jobs fair two years in a row. 

I also promised to be the most visible and accessible MP Blackpool has ever had.

That's why over the last two years I've spent as much time as possible out in our communities – visiting hundreds of local charities, businesses, schools, community groups and voluntary organisations. 

I’ve listened and I’ve learned and I’ve taken your voices to the top. 

For me, being an MP isn't about sitting in a grand palace in Westminster, it’s about you, your family and mine. When you’ve needed my help, me and my team have been there.

My office has now supported more than 15,000 constituents with casework – helping people with housing, healthcare, benefits, environmental concerns, immigration issues and countless other problems. For many people, that support has been life-changing. 

At the same time, I’ve made sure Blackpool's voice is impossible to ignore in Parliament.

I've become one of the most active backbench MPs, raising issues affecting our town time and time again, securing meetings with senior ministers, including Secretaries of State, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, and bringing senior government figures to Blackpool so they can see our challenges, and our potential, for themselves. 

And that work is delivering results. I’ve secured record levels of investment for Blackpool – totalling more than £150 million in two years – including £20 million Pride in Place funding for Grange Park and Layton, £20 million for a new world-class arena, and millions more for homelessness services, SEND provision, hospital improvements, transport upgrades and so much more. 

This is investment on a scale our town simply hasn't seen for years and after years of under investment we are only just beginning to feel the benefit of it. 

I’m confident that by the end of my first term as your MP, you will feel the difference in your lives – in your communities, in your quality of life, and in your pocket. 

If my first year was about laying the foundations, then my second year has been about getting on with the hard work of building a better Blackpool.

Building safer communities, creating better jobs, supporting working families and restoring pride in our town.

There is still a long way to go but for the first time in a long time, Blackpool is being heard.

Together, we're proving what can happen when our town finally has a strong voice fighting in its corner.

I'm proud to be your MP, and I'm only just getting started.