Friday was absolutely packed.
I started off meeting some of the leadership of Suffolk Coastal District Council to discuss a miscellany of items. From there, I went to see our local press in their Ipswich offices. I was able to get back to Woodbridge to meet some guests of the local Rotary (thank you Roger for lunch at The Cross - delicious!) and then onto BT HQ for an inaugural meeting of Suffolk Business Forum, pulled together by the FSB and I was joined by neighbouring MPs Dan Poulter and Peter Aldous - a really good session, focusing on rural internet access. Homework was given out!
From there, back to Woodbridge, to do a surgery and then, finally, to a thank you party in Woodbridge.
Good news circulated was that John Gummer had received a peerage in the Dissolution Honours. It is traditional that Cabinet members received peerages, though this had not been followed in recent years. (GB seems to have handed them out to loads of people, not just cabinet ministers - obviously payback time (in loyalty, not money).)
Saturday - I did a bit of shopping in Leiston (thanks to the ladies who continue to raise so much money for the East Anglian Ambulance). I enjoyed visiting the Flower Festivals at Blythburgh - some spectacular displays from each parish in the Sole Bay Ministry - and Cratfield. I finished the afternoon at the Old Chapel in Walpole, surprised to join a concert given by Waveney Brass - good fun. (I used to play trombone in my school's brass band, so it brought back happy memories.)
Sunday - After church in Southwold, I headed to Leiston and managed to catch the big Bed push, raising money for a ward in a local hospital, then down to the Cakes&Ale Holiday Park near Leiston for the Friends of Leiston Airfield (FOLA) Remembrance Service which was spectacular and very moving.
After Leiston, I was able to pop back to Thorpeness to have a look at what has happened since my last visit. Work has started (well done SCDC) but it still hasn't reached along the shoreline.
After a long warm day, we retired to our local for some supper and to my surprise, there was another Conservative MP having dinner with his family. He had come to visit Minsmere on Bank Holiday. It was a pleasure to see him and to meet his family.
Monday - unusually, I was in the constituency today - started off at Southwold Lions' Fete on the Common. The Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums led the way with the Town Mayor, Cllr Sue Allen, in tow with her partner Philip and the Town Crier. The fete was well attended with a number of attractions. From there, back home and then onto Bawdsey Fair - a slightly smaller affair but with the added attraction of a dog show. I didn't enter Rizzo, there was no scruffy dog category but good to meet a number of constituents at both events.
Getting ready for the week ahead and new staff starting. I hope to get an office and then sort out IT stuff, including some snazzy software which will help with the casework.
Thanks to everyone who sent me kind notes / phone calls / texts about the Maiden Speech. I was surprised how many people knew about it. Glad it's over and done with, now on with the interventions and oral questions.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Westminster Week 3
A bit late blogging on this but it has been quite a week.
The best bit for me was my Maiden Speech on Thursday, which I have posted already. It was good to get it out of the way but also, I tried to be careful in what I said. Future speeches may be a little more free-flowing!
The week kicked off with the Queen's Speech - the pomp and ceremony of it all is quite spectacular. I had arranged for a ticket for my mother to be in the Royal Gallery and took her to lunch afterwards. After the Speech, I popped into receptions run by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Inter-Parliamentary Unions - both organisations that link to other Parliaments. I popped into PFEG (Personal Finance Group) which was sponsored by the Pru - I couldn't stay long but I think educating youngsters about Personal Finance is a good thing. After a meeting about the '22 (Conservative Parliamentary Committee), I went to the Policy Exchange Reception (I think Serco part-sponsored this). New MPs were outnumbered by all sorts of Westminster people but useful to meet a few journalists, including the infamous Guido Fawkes and Cathy Newman.
I have also started joining some APPGs (All Party/Associate Parliamentary Groups), focusing on issues that affect my constituents and also areas of expertise for me or areas about which I wish to learn.
Finally, I finished setting up my first surgery. Please get in touch if you need to see me.
The best bit for me was my Maiden Speech on Thursday, which I have posted already. It was good to get it out of the way but also, I tried to be careful in what I said. Future speeches may be a little more free-flowing!
The week kicked off with the Queen's Speech - the pomp and ceremony of it all is quite spectacular. I had arranged for a ticket for my mother to be in the Royal Gallery and took her to lunch afterwards. After the Speech, I popped into receptions run by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Inter-Parliamentary Unions - both organisations that link to other Parliaments. I popped into PFEG (Personal Finance Group) which was sponsored by the Pru - I couldn't stay long but I think educating youngsters about Personal Finance is a good thing. After a meeting about the '22 (Conservative Parliamentary Committee), I went to the Policy Exchange Reception (I think Serco part-sponsored this). New MPs were outnumbered by all sorts of Westminster people but useful to meet a few journalists, including the infamous Guido Fawkes and Cathy Newman.
I have also started joining some APPGs (All Party/Associate Parliamentary Groups), focusing on issues that affect my constituents and also areas of expertise for me or areas about which I wish to learn.
Finally, I finished setting up my first surgery. Please get in touch if you need to see me.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Maiden Speech May 27th 2010
I was the first to be called today to make my maiden speech. There is a link to Hansard but I have inserted the text below.
Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Thank you for allowing me to make my maiden speech in this debate on the Gracious Speech, Mr Speaker. It is a particular pleasure to see you in your place, as I recall receiving public speaking training from you 20 years ago, so I hope that this speech shows that I have absorbed some of the wisdom that you imparted.
I wish to start by congratulating my predecessor on his achievements in the House on behalf of the people of Suffolk Coastal. John Gummer was, and is, one of the nicest, and most charming and immaculately turned-out former Members of this place. He had real intellect, capability, foresight and integrity, and he was an excellent debater in this House who commanded great respect. He will be remembered for his distinguished record in government-there are too many posts to list. However, not quite so often recalled is that he was chairman of the Conservative party at the time of the Brighton bombing, when he showed his cool under pressure, a quality that shone through in all his service as a Member.
John was ahead of others in recognising the challenge of the environment, although my noble Friend Baroness Thatcher, in her 1989 speech at the UN, also warned of the issues that we face today and will face in future. However, the environment was the main reason for John's departure from the House, so that he could make progress on global environmental initiatives. I believe that it was his wife Penny who commented that he is the only MP to give up being a Member in order to spend less time with his family, rather than more.
John was a man of principle in the House who will be remembered fondly by his constituents for his many years of diligent service. I was often told on the doorstep that I had big shoes to fill-luckily I take a size 8. John championed many local issues that I will continue to fight on. For example, he fought for better cardiac services at Ipswich hospital, and he was a strong voice on estuary and coastal erosion, as well as on farming and so many more issues that affected his constituents. I will keep fighting on those same issues, although I will not be John Gummer mark 2, and nor will my hon. Friend the new Member for Ipswich (Ben Gummer).
I am very different from John, in that I am the first woman to represent a Suffolk seat. I am proud of that fact, which conveniently allows me to say a little more about my wonderful constituency of Suffolk Coastal. It is a truly pioneering place. Not only did we have the first woman mayor in the country, back in 1908 in Aldeburgh, in the shape of Dame Elizabeth Garrett Anderson-one of her pioneering achievements, in addition to those in the field of medicine-but radar was developed at Bawdsey. Indeed, the first text message was sent from Martlesham, where also fibre optics were developed by BT.
I hope that hon. Members will indulge me if I take them on a quick tour of my constituency. There are more than 100 parishes-hon. Members will be pleased to know that I am not going to name them all. They are special places, starting at the very top with Henver with Hulstead and continuing right down the A12 to the edge of Ipswich and on to the tip at Felixstowe, the premier container port of the UK, with a variety of market towns such as Halesworth, Saxmundham, Leiston and Woodbridge in between. There are also many special villages, including Westleton, where I live.
There are so many wonderful places in my constituency that I have to boast about them. Indeed, I have been approached by green-eyed Members who have visited my constituency. I welcome you all, especially if you are going to spend money there. Indeed, there are current and former Opposition Members who have second homes there, and many bird-twitchers come to visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' world-renowned Minsmere reserve.
The defining feature of my constituency is its 74-mile coastline, with its delightful tourist hot spots of Aldeburgh and Southwold. However, the coastline-along with the estuaries-is really suffering from erosion, and I warn my hon. Friends on the Front Bench that I shall be fighting hard to change the policies at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which seems happy to allow parts of my constituency simply to wash away into the sea, and to allow its devolved agencies to spend tens of millions of pounds on consulting on how we can allow that to happen, rather than using the cash to shore up the defences. I am not trying to be Canute-I am not telling the waves to go back-but nor do I want to be the person who is happy just to throw up their hands in the air and surrender.
I shall be pursuing many other rural issues, including farming. Suffolk Coastal is well known for its pigs, poultry and potatoes-and many other vegetables. I shall also be pressing on key rural issues such as access to health services, fuel poverty-especially among those who depend on oil and liquefied petroleum gas-our post office network and, of course, broadband access.
My diverse constituency also contains our beloved nuclear power station at Sizewell. I hope that we shall have many more reactors there-certainly at least two- before the end of the decade. Several offshore wind farms are also being constructed, with more planned. Suffolk Coastal is ready to take the lead in the low-carbon economy, and I hope that our coast will be able to take on the new alias of the "Green Coast". So I welcome measures in the Gracious Speech on the low-carbon economy and the green investment bank.
I am really pleased by the calibre and pedigree of our new Ministers. If I may be so bold, I should like to extend an especially warm welcome to the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. and real Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) and the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. and real Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Mr Paice). They are people who really understand and value the countryside, and my constituents have been crying out for that for the past 13 years. Indeed, I hope that my hon. Friends will visit my constituency soon, not only to see how wonderful it is but to see the challenges that we face. Sadly, houses in Thorpeness are losing their gardens as we speak.
The Gracious Speech offers an ambitious programme for our country. I, too, am ambitious for my constituents of Suffolk Coastal, and I hope to play my part as the Member for that constituency in delivering success for Suffolk Coastal and for Britain.
Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Thank you for allowing me to make my maiden speech in this debate on the Gracious Speech, Mr Speaker. It is a particular pleasure to see you in your place, as I recall receiving public speaking training from you 20 years ago, so I hope that this speech shows that I have absorbed some of the wisdom that you imparted.
I wish to start by congratulating my predecessor on his achievements in the House on behalf of the people of Suffolk Coastal. John Gummer was, and is, one of the nicest, and most charming and immaculately turned-out former Members of this place. He had real intellect, capability, foresight and integrity, and he was an excellent debater in this House who commanded great respect. He will be remembered for his distinguished record in government-there are too many posts to list. However, not quite so often recalled is that he was chairman of the Conservative party at the time of the Brighton bombing, when he showed his cool under pressure, a quality that shone through in all his service as a Member.
John was ahead of others in recognising the challenge of the environment, although my noble Friend Baroness Thatcher, in her 1989 speech at the UN, also warned of the issues that we face today and will face in future. However, the environment was the main reason for John's departure from the House, so that he could make progress on global environmental initiatives. I believe that it was his wife Penny who commented that he is the only MP to give up being a Member in order to spend less time with his family, rather than more.
John was a man of principle in the House who will be remembered fondly by his constituents for his many years of diligent service. I was often told on the doorstep that I had big shoes to fill-luckily I take a size 8. John championed many local issues that I will continue to fight on. For example, he fought for better cardiac services at Ipswich hospital, and he was a strong voice on estuary and coastal erosion, as well as on farming and so many more issues that affected his constituents. I will keep fighting on those same issues, although I will not be John Gummer mark 2, and nor will my hon. Friend the new Member for Ipswich (Ben Gummer).
I am very different from John, in that I am the first woman to represent a Suffolk seat. I am proud of that fact, which conveniently allows me to say a little more about my wonderful constituency of Suffolk Coastal. It is a truly pioneering place. Not only did we have the first woman mayor in the country, back in 1908 in Aldeburgh, in the shape of Dame Elizabeth Garrett Anderson-one of her pioneering achievements, in addition to those in the field of medicine-but radar was developed at Bawdsey. Indeed, the first text message was sent from Martlesham, where also fibre optics were developed by BT.
I hope that hon. Members will indulge me if I take them on a quick tour of my constituency. There are more than 100 parishes-hon. Members will be pleased to know that I am not going to name them all. They are special places, starting at the very top with Henver with Hulstead and continuing right down the A12 to the edge of Ipswich and on to the tip at Felixstowe, the premier container port of the UK, with a variety of market towns such as Halesworth, Saxmundham, Leiston and Woodbridge in between. There are also many special villages, including Westleton, where I live.
There are so many wonderful places in my constituency that I have to boast about them. Indeed, I have been approached by green-eyed Members who have visited my constituency. I welcome you all, especially if you are going to spend money there. Indeed, there are current and former Opposition Members who have second homes there, and many bird-twitchers come to visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' world-renowned Minsmere reserve.
The defining feature of my constituency is its 74-mile coastline, with its delightful tourist hot spots of Aldeburgh and Southwold. However, the coastline-along with the estuaries-is really suffering from erosion, and I warn my hon. Friends on the Front Bench that I shall be fighting hard to change the policies at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which seems happy to allow parts of my constituency simply to wash away into the sea, and to allow its devolved agencies to spend tens of millions of pounds on consulting on how we can allow that to happen, rather than using the cash to shore up the defences. I am not trying to be Canute-I am not telling the waves to go back-but nor do I want to be the person who is happy just to throw up their hands in the air and surrender.
I shall be pursuing many other rural issues, including farming. Suffolk Coastal is well known for its pigs, poultry and potatoes-and many other vegetables. I shall also be pressing on key rural issues such as access to health services, fuel poverty-especially among those who depend on oil and liquefied petroleum gas-our post office network and, of course, broadband access.
My diverse constituency also contains our beloved nuclear power station at Sizewell. I hope that we shall have many more reactors there-certainly at least two- before the end of the decade. Several offshore wind farms are also being constructed, with more planned. Suffolk Coastal is ready to take the lead in the low-carbon economy, and I hope that our coast will be able to take on the new alias of the "Green Coast". So I welcome measures in the Gracious Speech on the low-carbon economy and the green investment bank.
I am really pleased by the calibre and pedigree of our new Ministers. If I may be so bold, I should like to extend an especially warm welcome to the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. and real Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon) and the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. and real Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Mr Paice). They are people who really understand and value the countryside, and my constituents have been crying out for that for the past 13 years. Indeed, I hope that my hon. Friends will visit my constituency soon, not only to see how wonderful it is but to see the challenges that we face. Sadly, houses in Thorpeness are losing their gardens as we speak.
The Gracious Speech offers an ambitious programme for our country. I, too, am ambitious for my constituents of Suffolk Coastal, and I hope to play my part as the Member for that constituency in delivering success for Suffolk Coastal and for Britain.
Friday, 21 May 2010
In the Constituency Week 2
Congratulations to Leiston Primary School on their recycling efforts being rewarded. Well done.
Thursday night - I was able to attend (sorry for being late back from London) the public meeting on coastal erosion. I do wish to record my thanks to Suffolk Coastal DC for getting the remedial work underway. There is a lot to do on this subject and I hope to be meeting the minister next week (I grabbed a very quick word with him yesterday).
I am looking forward to being at the Town Pastors event tomorrow and then enjoying a night at Snape Maltings for a concert. Finally, on Sunday, I will be interviewed live on the BBC Politics Show on Sizewell beach about the future of nuclear.
Thursday night - I was able to attend (sorry for being late back from London) the public meeting on coastal erosion. I do wish to record my thanks to Suffolk Coastal DC for getting the remedial work underway. There is a lot to do on this subject and I hope to be meeting the minister next week (I grabbed a very quick word with him yesterday).
I am looking forward to being at the Town Pastors event tomorrow and then enjoying a night at Snape Maltings for a concert. Finally, on Sunday, I will be interviewed live on the BBC Politics Show on Sizewell beach about the future of nuclear.
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.
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.
Monday, 17 May 2010
Week 1 in Parliament
Week 1 was, of course, unique in Parliament - what a time to start one's parliamentary career.
Coalition is not the same as a merger - it is an alliance (think in business a joint venture or special purpose vehicle) on a shared programme. Full details of the coalition programme are still not out and won't be for a while yet, so it is difficult to answer some questions at the moment.
I missed the big "love-in" in the Rose Garden as I was in induction along with nearly 150 other new Conservative MPs. On the Wednesday, it was the first time for sitting in the chamber. One Labour chap tried to be a bit of a card (or in Scouse - a case) but mostly it was innocent questions about how to do this bill or the convention on interventions and so on. What was stressed was how the chamber should be the most important part of our parliamentary career - I certainly think so. The constituency casework is absolutely key but so is the opportunity to persuade members of all parties that your particular perspective is so compelling that they should back you. I will be doing my best on constituency issues.
The chamber is quite small and tomorrow (Tuesday) will see the Speaker's Election - a 3 line whip and not for one MP from I won't say where, an opportunity to go to bingo at a Residents' Association. Bingo may be the most important thing in their lives - but we all have to remember that we are here for our constituents, representing them and sometimes, even how bitterly we may want to do something, we will have to forego our own desires in order to do the right thing.
Back in Suffolk Coastal, I visited Thorpeness and some constituents. I am pleased that the council has started taking steps to shore up the bank and I will be pressing DEFRA to get on with changing their policy. I also had a useful meeting with the Chief Executive and Chairman of Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT for initial discussions on the impact of possible and impending changes. Finally, on Saturday morning, I went to Saxmundham Middle School to attend a public meeting on one possible solution for a future use of the site - set up by the local CIC and to use as community facilities with revenue streams for renting out space to private and public organisations. I am delighted to see such local commitment and it will take a lot more than the current Board of Directors to share the challenge and see it through, but I am hopeful.
I finished the weekend up North to see family and friends in Liverpool, Chester and Wrexham. A flying visit but one much appreciated by all.
Will Week 2 prove as interesting? I hope so. Being sworn in (makes a change from being sworn at!), Sea Eagles in The Times, trying to recruit staff and trying to find somewhere to live. Minor details in the grand scheme of starting the job of tackling the immense challenges left behind by Labour. That note from Liam Byrne sums it up, "The money is spent." More truthfully, the multiple credit cards are maxed to the hilt and we have gone to the loan sharks because we know we are not paying it back. That really is Labour's legacy.
Coalition is not the same as a merger - it is an alliance (think in business a joint venture or special purpose vehicle) on a shared programme. Full details of the coalition programme are still not out and won't be for a while yet, so it is difficult to answer some questions at the moment.
I missed the big "love-in" in the Rose Garden as I was in induction along with nearly 150 other new Conservative MPs. On the Wednesday, it was the first time for sitting in the chamber. One Labour chap tried to be a bit of a card (or in Scouse - a case) but mostly it was innocent questions about how to do this bill or the convention on interventions and so on. What was stressed was how the chamber should be the most important part of our parliamentary career - I certainly think so. The constituency casework is absolutely key but so is the opportunity to persuade members of all parties that your particular perspective is so compelling that they should back you. I will be doing my best on constituency issues.
The chamber is quite small and tomorrow (Tuesday) will see the Speaker's Election - a 3 line whip and not for one MP from I won't say where, an opportunity to go to bingo at a Residents' Association. Bingo may be the most important thing in their lives - but we all have to remember that we are here for our constituents, representing them and sometimes, even how bitterly we may want to do something, we will have to forego our own desires in order to do the right thing.
Back in Suffolk Coastal, I visited Thorpeness and some constituents. I am pleased that the council has started taking steps to shore up the bank and I will be pressing DEFRA to get on with changing their policy. I also had a useful meeting with the Chief Executive and Chairman of Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT for initial discussions on the impact of possible and impending changes. Finally, on Saturday morning, I went to Saxmundham Middle School to attend a public meeting on one possible solution for a future use of the site - set up by the local CIC and to use as community facilities with revenue streams for renting out space to private and public organisations. I am delighted to see such local commitment and it will take a lot more than the current Board of Directors to share the challenge and see it through, but I am hopeful.
I finished the weekend up North to see family and friends in Liverpool, Chester and Wrexham. A flying visit but one much appreciated by all.
Will Week 2 prove as interesting? I hope so. Being sworn in (makes a change from being sworn at!), Sea Eagles in The Times, trying to recruit staff and trying to find somewhere to live. Minor details in the grand scheme of starting the job of tackling the immense challenges left behind by Labour. That note from Liam Byrne sums it up, "The money is spent." More truthfully, the multiple credit cards are maxed to the hilt and we have gone to the loan sharks because we know we are not paying it back. That really is Labour's legacy.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Day 1 in Parliament
Day 1 in Parliament - such an interesting day. Meeting a lot of old friends who were also entering Parliament for the first time - it felt like a reunion almost but still a lot to find out about each other. Parliamentary party meeting in the evening - the room was absolutely heaving.
The BBC wanted to film someone entering Parliament for the first time and I was happy to oblige (though I have always thought that I have the face for radio). Even that was interesting as the authorities wanted to find out what was going on.
After stepping inside, there is already a book with the pictures of all the new (and returning) MPs for the staff to get to know us. And so it continued like a first day at work... pass, personal details, computer, phone number and so on.. and an induction programme for the first few days.
Conventions may be changing as well - where you use a phone, shaking hands or not (traditionally MPs do not shake hands with each other), applause or banging the desk at meetings... I'll leave those discoveries for another day. It was also good to meet new MPs from other parties - I make an effort to introduce myself because although we may not share the same beliefs on policy, together we have to re-establish the integrity of Parliament.
The BBC wanted to film someone entering Parliament for the first time and I was happy to oblige (though I have always thought that I have the face for radio). Even that was interesting as the authorities wanted to find out what was going on.
After stepping inside, there is already a book with the pictures of all the new (and returning) MPs for the staff to get to know us. And so it continued like a first day at work... pass, personal details, computer, phone number and so on.. and an induction programme for the first few days.
Conventions may be changing as well - where you use a phone, shaking hands or not (traditionally MPs do not shake hands with each other), applause or banging the desk at meetings... I'll leave those discoveries for another day. It was also good to meet new MPs from other parties - I make an effort to introduce myself because although we may not share the same beliefs on policy, together we have to re-establish the integrity of Parliament.
Out and about in Suffolk Coastal
Enjoyable Saturday with a late morning start in Halesworth, joining the councillors for the end of their surgery. From there, we went to visit Rachel Ducker who was celebrating her first birthday in business (http://www.apparitiondesigns.co.uk/rach.htm) - great to see such get up and go and a successful business. After that, on to the Cut, where we met some of the people involved and visited the Suffolk Coastal Deckchairs exhibition - fascinating and in aid of such a good cause (the St Elizabeth Hospice) and then onto Edgar Sewter Primary School for their May Fayre. Sadly, the weather was not great but there were many displays and the local PCSO and Fire Brigade were out in force.
In the afternoon, I managed to pop into the PDSA at Aldeburgh - I think I will be supporting quite a few animal welfare charities in my Parliamentary career.
In the afternoon, I managed to pop into the PDSA at Aldeburgh - I think I will be supporting quite a few animal welfare charities in my Parliamentary career.
Friday, 7 May 2010
The Day After the Night Before...Thank you!
Thank you to the 25,475 people who voted for me in yesterday's Election. I am so proud yet humbled to be the new Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal. I am looking forward to serving all constituents in Suffolk Coastal.
Last night was exhilarating and today I am enjoying meeting people as their new MP. Next week, I am off to London to start representing my colleagues. Meetings are already being booked. I have decided to defer writing to the new Secretary of State for DEFRA till Monday, as it is not definitive who that person will be this time next week.
Thanks to my agent, my campaign team and my family for their support (and to Rizzo!)
Last night was exhilarating and today I am enjoying meeting people as their new MP. Next week, I am off to London to start representing my colleagues. Meetings are already being booked. I have decided to defer writing to the new Secretary of State for DEFRA till Monday, as it is not definitive who that person will be this time next week.
Thanks to my agent, my campaign team and my family for their support (and to Rizzo!)
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
D-1
Good day in Halesworth and Melton and some other places in between. It's been a long and exciting campaign and I cannot believe it is only 3 months since being selected!
I have tried to get in touch with everyone who contacted me by email, phone, etc. I hope to do well tomorrow so that I can get on putting my experience and energy to the best advantage of the people of Suffolk Coastal.
I have tried to get in touch with everyone who contacted me by email, phone, etc. I hope to do well tomorrow so that I can get on putting my experience and energy to the best advantage of the people of Suffolk Coastal.
They Work for You Survey
I haven't answered the survey directly as it leaves little space to explain but I said to one person who contacted me that I would put my answers to the local questions on my blog. Here goes...
1) Sea Eagles
Approximately £1M of public money is being used on this project which I think could be better used, or indeed not spent at all, at this time.
I am not against sea eagles per se but I am concerned about how the project is being implemented. I have met briefly with the RSPB and we have agreed to continue the discussion if I am elected. A full consultation is due but the current brief with the farming community is how to mitigate the risks of introduction, not whether the risks to local farming and businesses is acceptable in the first place.
2) Sizewell
I have voiced my support for Sizewell, unlike the Liberal Democrats who oppose nuclear power.
There are concerns about the impact on the community but this is more about the construction phase rather than Sizewell itself. That should be considered and there is a stakeholder group already and the local councils will be involved.
3) Heart attack care
Yes, there should and can be more available at Ipswich. Consultants also want to see more services available at Ipswich and that would be backed by the Conservatives. We are the only party committed to real increases in NHS funding for the lifetime of the next Parliament.
4) Local housing trusts are one solution to the question of affordable housing.
More information is available online
http://www.conservatives.com/News/Speeches/2009/10/Grant_Shapps_Creating_a_Nation_of_Homebuilders.aspx
1) Sea Eagles
Approximately £1M of public money is being used on this project which I think could be better used, or indeed not spent at all, at this time.
I am not against sea eagles per se but I am concerned about how the project is being implemented. I have met briefly with the RSPB and we have agreed to continue the discussion if I am elected. A full consultation is due but the current brief with the farming community is how to mitigate the risks of introduction, not whether the risks to local farming and businesses is acceptable in the first place.
2) Sizewell
I have voiced my support for Sizewell, unlike the Liberal Democrats who oppose nuclear power.
There are concerns about the impact on the community but this is more about the construction phase rather than Sizewell itself. That should be considered and there is a stakeholder group already and the local councils will be involved.
3) Heart attack care
Yes, there should and can be more available at Ipswich. Consultants also want to see more services available at Ipswich and that would be backed by the Conservatives. We are the only party committed to real increases in NHS funding for the lifetime of the next Parliament.
4) Local housing trusts are one solution to the question of affordable housing.
More information is available online
http://www.conservatives.com/News/Speeches/2009/10/Grant_Shapps_Creating_a_Nation_of_Homebuilders.aspx
Monday, 3 May 2010
Bank Holiday Weekend & Campaign Update
The first Monday of May is a bank holiday traditionally to celebrate labour but not much rest for those of us involved in campaigning.
Some more delivery, a trip to the Suffolk Country & Game Fair at Glemham Hall to meet a few people, then to Warren Heath / Purdis Farm and Levington to finish off canvassing.
Yesterday (Sunday), I enjoyed seeing the Classic Car Rally (was part of it at one stage!) from Ipswich to Felixstowe.. plenty of roadside parties and spectators en route and it felt like a Foyle's War re-enactment at one stage. Such a shame about the weather but there were still people about to view these splendid vehicles close up - including the lawn mower on its way from Edinburgh to London. I managed to do some house visits in Trimley St Mary and Felixstowe as well before heading home to get sorted for the rest of the week.
Saturday we were out in different parts of the constituency - Leiston and Aldeburgh with Richard Smith our candidate in the county council by-election then on to Foxhall and Purdis Farm. My sister Clare and I then enjoyed ourselves at a ceilidh in Wenhaston (dancing to Cameron's Ceilidh Band) in aid of the Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund. That was quite a laugh but Clare's foot got sore so we called it a night. Good to meet some people and a good laugh as well.
In the last week, we have gone back to places across the constituency. The feature of the week has been the number of hustings - Saturday in Halesworth, Sunday in Felixstowe, Monday in Saxmundham, Tuesday in Southwold and Wednesday in Aldeburgh plus two school meetings at Woodbridge and Deben.
Without a computer at home, my blog entries will be somewhat limited now but thanks to all those who have viewed and got in touch. I will still be responding to emails and will finish posting my responses to the lobby emails. I will correct the broken link to my manifesto for Suffolk Coastal and will try to work out how to post a pdf on to this site so that people can see the leaflets generated. (I was pleased that our leaflet was being delivered last week by the Royal Mail, though not everyone has received it yet.)
Some more delivery, a trip to the Suffolk Country & Game Fair at Glemham Hall to meet a few people, then to Warren Heath / Purdis Farm and Levington to finish off canvassing.
Yesterday (Sunday), I enjoyed seeing the Classic Car Rally (was part of it at one stage!) from Ipswich to Felixstowe.. plenty of roadside parties and spectators en route and it felt like a Foyle's War re-enactment at one stage. Such a shame about the weather but there were still people about to view these splendid vehicles close up - including the lawn mower on its way from Edinburgh to London. I managed to do some house visits in Trimley St Mary and Felixstowe as well before heading home to get sorted for the rest of the week.
Saturday we were out in different parts of the constituency - Leiston and Aldeburgh with Richard Smith our candidate in the county council by-election then on to Foxhall and Purdis Farm. My sister Clare and I then enjoyed ourselves at a ceilidh in Wenhaston (dancing to Cameron's Ceilidh Band) in aid of the Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund. That was quite a laugh but Clare's foot got sore so we called it a night. Good to meet some people and a good laugh as well.
In the last week, we have gone back to places across the constituency. The feature of the week has been the number of hustings - Saturday in Halesworth, Sunday in Felixstowe, Monday in Saxmundham, Tuesday in Southwold and Wednesday in Aldeburgh plus two school meetings at Woodbridge and Deben.
Without a computer at home, my blog entries will be somewhat limited now but thanks to all those who have viewed and got in touch. I will still be responding to emails and will finish posting my responses to the lobby emails. I will correct the broken link to my manifesto for Suffolk Coastal and will try to work out how to post a pdf on to this site so that people can see the leaflets generated. (I was pleased that our leaflet was being delivered last week by the Royal Mail, though not everyone has received it yet.)
RSPB visit to Minsmere
I had a good, albeit short visit to the Minsmere Reserve to meet the RSPB last week. The reserve is just a couple of miles from where I live but apart from delivering there, I haven't actually had a chance to visit there before and nor was this the moment to have a really good look.
The meeting was very constructive touching on the unique role of the RSPB, Minsmere, coastal erosion, Sizewell and sea eagles. It was the start of a good dialogue which I will continue, if elected. On Sea Eagles (I have received an anonymous letter about this), I was quick to stress that I am not against sea eagles per se, however, I was concerned about the consultation process with local farmers, which has now been developed by Natural England, and the formal consultation is yet to start. I had previously spoken to their Government Affairs about this as well. There is still a way to go this and there may be a solution that works for all parties, including the sea eagles themselves.
The meeting was very constructive touching on the unique role of the RSPB, Minsmere, coastal erosion, Sizewell and sea eagles. It was the start of a good dialogue which I will continue, if elected. On Sea Eagles (I have received an anonymous letter about this), I was quick to stress that I am not against sea eagles per se, however, I was concerned about the consultation process with local farmers, which has now been developed by Natural England, and the formal consultation is yet to start. I had previously spoken to their Government Affairs about this as well. There is still a way to go this and there may be a solution that works for all parties, including the sea eagles themselves.
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