In this weeks Gazette, I and the other candidates for the General Election on the 4th of July outline their reasons for standing and their vision for North Devon.
For those of you who may not have seen it, here is my statement:
Having had the honour of being your MP since 2019 I am standing again to be your voice in Westminster.
I come from a family of teachers and my father was head of a large coastal comprehensive. State school educated myself, with a first from Cambridge in Mathematics and Management Studies, I am passionate about ensuring all children have access to an excellent education. I went on to set up my own retail business and experienced the highs and lows a small business presents.
I started my political journey young. As a child, I wrote to my local MP, and neighbour, Ian Gow about issues in my life. I loved his detailed responses and commitment to his community – even those not old enough to vote. I strive to replicate this in my responses to letters and questions from school children and students. I was home the morning Ian was murdered by the IRA in July 1990. I heard the car bomb go off; my father was with him when he died.
There is no doubt this event has shaped much of who I am, what I do and how seriously I take politics. Politics is a serious business; MPs are legislators who make life changing decisions and complex legal changes. I work hard and would like us all to have serious conversations about policy and the future of our country and community.
I was an environmentalist before I was a Conservative. I have helped secure wins in how our bathing waters are tested, increased hedgerow regulation, highly protected marine areas designated into English waters, and banning numerous single use plastics. Recently having joined the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee I am keen to get back to work there, supporting our farmers and improving our food security, alongside championing our precious environment.
Since 2019 when you elected me for the first time, I have helped deliver for North Devon. 54% of homes now have Gigabit Broadband, up from 3% in 2019. I helped secure millions in investment across North Devon in the Future High Street Fund and for the Ilfracombe Watersports Centre. Two new wards at North Devon Hospital and work now starting on the first phase of the redevelopment. Labour have said they will reassess all projects with capital expenditure, leaving this hard won battle for further redevelopment at risk without a Conservative government.
My team and I have dealt with over 38,000 pieces of casework, solving many issues for many people which involved writing over 10,000 letters and having logged over 65,000 emails.
My Puppy Smuggling Bill almost made it into law. If elected, I will of course fight to take this Bill forward to become law.
Yes, mistakes have been made nationally, and by me locally; we are all human, but I hope you will put your trust in me again on July 4th to continue the work I have started to make North Devon an even better place to live, work, bring up a family.
