The recent general election campaign was hectic and long and there does not seem to have been much time to really catch up on my sleep and have even a moments rest. I am no stranger to the House of Commons as I have worked there in one capacity or another for almost eight years. However, it is very different going there as your MP. As I take over your MP’s regular article in this magazine I would first like to thank Tony McWalter for his work on your behalf over the last eight years. I have much to do and have already started to organise myself and the resources that I need to do the job.
On my visits to Kings Langley during the campaign I have heard of many of the local concerns. Protecting our greenbelt, eliminating litter, rising crime were the most common calls for action that I heard in the village. In addition to these I am also very committed to doing all that I can to try and save Hemel’s hospital and keeping a watchful eye on the planning application to build an asbestos waste transfer station in the middle of a residential part of the village.
As a new MP I swore the oath of allegiance and ‘took my seat’. Tradition dictates that a new MP can not ask questions and fully participate in debates until they have made their maiden speech. I managed to get an early spot for my maiden after 6pm on a Tuesday evening. Tradition also dictates that maiden speeches should always be non controversial but even so I managed to include mention of our hospital, lack of intensive baby cots and palliative care, all local issues.
After the first week or so of camping out in a temporary office along with many other new MP’s I eventually was allocated an office and I agreed with David Gauke, MP for neighbouring South West Hertfordshire to share an office. We both felt that because of the proximity of our constituency and hence common issues that this would make sense. David and I shared offices before; back in the mid nineties when we were both Parliamentary researchers.
I have always made it clear that I want to be a good constituency MP. Many MP’s base their office staff in Westminster but I want mine in the constituency where they can help with any problems and I can be based with them when I am not in Parliament. I have recruited three local people with the skills needed to run the office but more importantly to offer a service to constituents. As it happens all of them are experienced Dacorum Borough Councillors which means that they have already demonstrated their willingness to serve the community and have experience of helping people with their problems. The new constituency office is at 11-13 Alexandra Road, near Hemel town centre and the telephone number is 01442 267033.
I have been holding ‘Surgeries’ in Hemel Hempstead on a Friday evening and have been surprised at how well attended they have been. It is my intention in the future to arrange for surgeries to occasionally be held in Kings Langley. If anyone has an issue or problem that they would like me to help with please call my constituency office (01442 267033) and an appointment will be made for you. | 
