IT’S been an incredibly busy first few weeks since being elected last month, so I am really pleased to have been given this monthly Press column to reflect on my time as the first-ever Labour Member of Parliament for York Outer. Being able to serve York Outer as your Member of Parliament is the greatest privilege of my life. I am grateful for all of those who put their trust in me, and Labour, especially for the first time.
I’ve been busy in Parliament asking questions to Ministers on farming support, to interventions in the Chamber on the importance of being a full-time MP. Labour has already made a difference and we have begun the first steps to undo the 14 years of chaos the Tories brought to our country. We have already removed the ban on onshore wind, introduced the bill that will bring trains back into public ownership and outlined our plans to crack down on the water companies.
In my maiden speech, I spoke about the outstanding state education I received at Huntington School which helped me achieve my potential and go to on to university. A special mention went to my religious studies teacher, Robin Parmiter, who I named my son after. It was only right that I also spoke about how my dad was an apprentice that helped rebuild York Minster after the fire in 1984.
I attended the Yorkshire Day service at the Minster recently, so it was a nice reminder of the part he played in restoring it. On the same day, I visited Rosevale Care Home, where my grandma was lovingly care.