Week 2

Looking back on Week 2, it was a historic week for me - on Wednesday, being sworn in for Suffolk Coastal. Truly butterflies and fireworks coinciding in my gut as I took the oath (on the Gallic bible in the end).

I also sat behind the new Prime Minister at the first sitting of the house on Tuesday. Some people thought it was because I was a woman, perhaps it was because of my old friend Sir George Young (the new Leader of the House and my former MP) but the truth is that I got into the chamber early. I sat elsewhere with my friend Penny Mordaunt as I didn't want to seem pushy but an old hand suggested that I move into the second bench as it may be my one and only opportunity. Anyway, many constituents did see me and I had temporary promotion to being holder of the PM's speech for all of 10 minutes.

Casework is also coming in and I am getting through it. It is a little difficult to get on top of without staff. Under the new IPSA regime, this is taking a while and while I am looking for staff as well as arranging to set up the constituency office, I have decided to give a three month contract to my sister. I didn't ever think of employing a family member but I have decided that needs must for this short amount of time. Clare is starting in London on Monday and I hope to get on top of all the casework as quickly as possible.

New MPs are hotdesking at the moment in a shared office which is quite good as we get to know each other and can share tips but trying to file the incoming paperwork is getting difficult - my locker is already full. Offices are unlikely to be allocated till mid June at the earliest but the sooner the better.

As part of the new Parliament, many organisations host events to publicise a cause or to speak to MPs. This week, I dropped into a party hosted by Sky News (getting to know you thing), Back the Bid 2018, Heptatitis Trust to celebrate World Heptatitis Day and the NFU. I also attended a reception for new MPs hosted by a senior MP which was funded by British Gas. I spoke to one of their employees that I would be following up about fuel poverty. Rural broadband is also on the cards. I have a meeting next week about it and am setting up the national group to tackle this.