THE LATEST
NEWS
Launching the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history
By committing to this mission, we can bear down on abusers, stop them in their tracks and ensure survivors get the safety, stability and justice they deserve.
Historic employment rights bill becomes law
This week marked a historic moment in Parliament. It brings long overdue changes to workplace rights and updates employment law for the modern economy.
Top 10 highlights from 10,000 cases opened
This week my team and I hit our most significant milestone yet – we have personally assisted 10,000 constituents in Blackpool South with casework. Read 10 highlights here.
My Christmas Card Competition Winners
After selecting the winning design for the front cover of my Christmas Card, and runners up to feature on the inside and back page, I surprised them with the final design and prizes.
Why Blackpool urgently needs more SEND schools
I’m calling on the Government to fund two new specialist schools in Blackpool. Together they would provide more than 120 places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and long-term medical needs.
Victory for my year-long fight for affordable infant milk
One year since I began my campaign for affordable infant formula, the Prime Minister has confirmed that the Government will act – introducing clear guidance for retailers and allowing new parents to use loyalty points and vouchers will help families save up to £500 before their baby’s first birthday.
When Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds – why we can’t ignore England’s most deprived town
If this Labour government can’t turn around the fortunes of Blackpool – the most deprived town in the country – it will have failed in its mission to rebuild Britain from the ground up
World Aids Day 2025 - Let’s end the stigma and stop HIV in its tracks
Today is World AIDS Day – a moment to remember those lives tragically lost, to stand with friends, family and neighbours living with HIV and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the stigma and irradiating HIV.
My response to the Autumn Budget
This Budget takes the fair choices to deliver on the public's priorities and the change this government promised.
Blackpool leads the fight to end violence against women and girls
Today marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – an issue I am passionate about. In Blackpool we have a wealth of organisations working towards ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) – five of which have been given a boost this autumn with money seized from criminals.
Labour bans ticket touts
Gigs and other cultural events are about human connection and a shared experience and they shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford inflated prices. I welcome the government’s announcement that they will ban ticket touts. This will give you a fair shot at seeing the artists and teams you care about.
Labour is leading the clean up of our coast
Our beaches and the wildlife that depend on them are suffering from a modern pollutant that most people barely think about – plastic wet wipes. The Labour Government’s is banning the sale of them.
Putting Blackpool on the national stage for tourism
This week I had the privilege of speaking at the Tourism Policy Conference 2025. Events like this are a clear reminder that UK tourism is far more than a nice day out or a weekend away. It’s one of the most powerful forces for growth, regeneration and opportunity in the UK today.
We can't afford to lose a generation of young people in Blackpool
I welcome the government’s announcement of an independent investigation into the rise in youth inactivity. Led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, this review is long overdue and urgently needed.
Solar power for Blackpool South schools
Today marks a welcome announcement from central government – Great British Energy is funding new solar panels for three local schools.
Building a better future for Blackpool’s children
As parents here in Blackpool South we want our children to have every chance to succeed. Under the Tories our children have been left without the qualifications, skills or opportunities to get ahead. So I’m proud to back Labour’s landmark reforms to the national curriculum.
The Chancellor must support Tourism and Hospitality
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, I’ve led colleagues from across Parliament, to call for urgent action to support one of the UK’s most vital industries.
Blackpool deserves a world-class arena – let’s make it happen!
Our town is on the brink of something big. Blackpool Council is asking residents for their views on how to shape the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Blackpool Central site – and I believe we have a once-in-a-generation chance to build something truly transformational.
Lest we forget
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, allowing me to spend time directly with members of our Armed Forces. What struck me most was not just the skill, professionalism and the extraordinary capability of our military personnel, but their humility, quiet sense of duty and the absence of ego.
Warm home discount extended to help more households
The Labour Government has extended the Warm Home Discount meaning more families in Blackpool will now get £150 off their energy bills this winter. Letters telling people about their eligibility should be arriving over the next few days – please look out for yours.

