Community& Transport
Connecting people with their community through investment and dedication here in Southend West & Leigh.
From supporting Westcliff and Leigh to be at their best, to working with the Council, transport providers, and the Government to expand and solidify our diverse transport offers to suit residents and visitors alike, there's been great progress with more on the way!
My Record
Here's what I've been up to as your Member of Parliament for Southend West and Leigh, investing in our communities and ensuring we have a transport network fit for the future,.
We Love Westcliff!
Westcliff is a fantastic part of Southend, and needs the love and attention that it deserves. From fly-tipping to potholes and ASB to community pride, my inbox is often seeing residents wanting more from their local area! #WeLoveWestcliff is bringing together decision-makers and campaigners to breathe new life into an important part of our area.
Leigh-on-Sea's Big Bid!
Do you think Leigh-on-Sea could be the UK Town of Culture 2028? Well I do!
I've already met with the Minister of State to talk about our potential as well as some local stakeholders that have been part of putting on brilliant events across Leigh-on-Sea in the past. Together, we're working to make sure Leigh's bid is as strong as possible! Watch this space!
Backing Better Buses!
The hard work of the Labour-led City Council in Southend alongside the fought-for investment from the Labour Government has already secured investment for three new and extended bus services across Southend West and Leigh - with more on the way!
I continue to work with the bus companies and the council for further improvements - most recently seeing the 3A extended.
Great British Rail Right Here
The launch of Great British Railways is now well underway, and it's so important that the changes coming down the line work properly for passengers, staff, and our community alike.
That's why I'm working closely with our two local rail operators, greateranglia and c2c as the rollout continues. So far, we have seen contactless travel introduced, a freeze in rail fares, and work on better cross collaboration to ensure a smoother service for all. More to do, and more will be done!
Supporting Our Airport
Southend Airport is a hugely valuable local asset, not just for holidaymakers looking to jet off abroad, but also for our economy and community here in Southend.
I have been greatly encouraged by the positivity and continued strengthening of the Airport, including the vote of confidence from easyJet in March 2025 when they opened their brand new base. With the bustling retail park, new routes each year, and continued investment from major airlines, the Airport is creating new jobs for local people and new opportunities for all.
Restoring and Resurfacing
I am proud to be working alongside a Labour-led council that is finally putting its money where its mouth is on potholes and pavement repairs with £13million a year, backed by an addition £2.6million of Government investment to reverse years of Tory decline. I've been writing to all the roads getting repairs so they know the good news!
As well as making our current roads safer to drive on, I'm also working on ways to alleviate congestion for drivers through Opportunity Southend's plans for a new relief road that runs from Shoebury to the A130, and maybe even beyond.