Since my last article another month has just flown by. 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, intensive baby cots and palliative care 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 in Norman Shaw South building which used to be ‘Old Scotland Yard’. 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 the constituents 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 Markyate. 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.
It really has been a month of ‘firsts’ for me. My first public appearance as an MP was when I attended the St Francis Hospice Annual Plant Sale in the village the other Saturday. I have been to this before but only as a ‘mere candidate’. I was astonished at the large number of people that attended. It was another demonstration to me of the great community spirit that exists in our beautiful villages and of the need to protect our rural environment from overdevelopment and Mr Prescott’s bulldozers.
So, what will the next month hold for me? Well firstly on Sunday 3rd July I will be joining the Markyate & Flamstead Sponsored Walk. The local problem of aircraft noise in the early hours of the morning has been brought to my attention and I plan to help on this issue. If any of you can help with information surrounding this issue I would appreciate an email (mike@mikepenning.com) or a letter. Lots more hard work I am sure but I am really enjoying every minute of it. | 
