Economy & Business
An economy that works for all of us in Southend West & Leigh.
From tackling the cost of living and delivering a pay rise for over three million workers, to backing investment in our City and supporting our small businesses, there's lots to be proud of and lots more to do!
My Record
Here's what I've been up to as your Member of Parliament for Southend West and Leigh, backing local businesses and building a fairer economy!
Driving Child Poverty Down
By voting to end the two child benefit cap on 3 February 2026, I ensured that 1,820 children in Southend West and Leigh will be lifted out of poverty. Nationwide, this will benefit over 450,000 children!
This is a huge step to ensuring all children get the best start in life.
Connecting With Government
In November 2025, I was honoured to be able to invite the Managing Director of local business Formara to Number 11 Downing Street to meet with the Chancellor. I am fortunate to be able to use my role as an MP to ensure our great local businesses have their voices at the heart of government.
Opportunity Southend
January 2026 saw the launch of Opportunity Southend, designed to build a city fit for the 21st Century and beyond! As part of that, I'll be working with businesses and the Government to secure investment and boost our vital and much-loved local economy and SMEs.
Reducing the Cost of Living
By backing the Chancellor's latest Budget, in the backdrop of six interest rate cuts and being the fastest growing economy in the G7, I voted to take £150 off the average energy bill from April, freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years, and freeze prescription charges. This will benefit so many people in Southend West and Leigh, from homeowners to commuters and beyond.
More Protection, Better Pay
I was elected promising that I would vote for better equality for more people in Southend West and Leigh. By backing the Renters’ Rights Act and voting to boost the minimum wage, I have kept that promise.
Not only has this boosted pay by £1,400 for a full-time minimum wage worker aged 21 and up, it has also abolished ‘no fault’ evictions and rebalanced landlord-tenant relations.
Championing Our Area
Southend West and Leigh sits at the heart of an evolving and growing city in Essex, and I know it deserves its fair share of investment and support!
That's why I'm urging the Government to make Leigh-on-Sea the UK Town of Culture 2028, which will unlock £3 million of investment for our local economy, and boost our amazing cultural and heritage offering to the next level!