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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2026 is the year Britain turns a corner, and in Blackpool we’re going to do it together.

The government has launched a new Women in Tech Taskforce to tackle the barriers holding women back from entering, staying and leading in the sector. I want to hear from women working in tech in my constituency so I can share your stories with it.

2025 has been a year of making a real difference for people across Blackpool South. As we welcome the New Year, here are the ten moments that defined the past twelve months for me.

After the whirlwind of Christmas Day – wrapping paper now in the recycling, more turkey than you can face in the fridge and the house calm again – Boxing Day always feels like a deep breath. It provides us with a quieter moment to take stock and this year I wan’t to take the opportunity to think about what this day really means.

I wish each and every one of you peace, good health and happiness this Christmas and throughout the year ahead. Thank you once again for your trust and support – I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2026 and beyond.

Despite the challenges captured in statistics, people in our town won’t be defined by them. Our communities are strong, our young people are ambitious and our organisations drive change every day. This spirit of resilience and determination is the foundation on which renewal can be built. 

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.

This week marked a historic moment in Parliament. It brings long overdue changes to workplace rights and updates employment law for the modern economy.

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.

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.