July Roundup!
Every month, I'm out and about across Southend West and Leigh as well as working hard in Westminster as your voice in Parliament.
As well as voting on new legislation to improve people's lives here at home and across the country, I'm also meeting brilliant local people and championing local voices.
Here's what I got up to in July 2025!
My July Roundup!
As always, July was a very busy month with work in both Westminster and Southend West & Leigh. Here are SIX highlights of this month's work!
Waddle Lotta Fun!
1
Waddle-on-Sea by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art is a sight to make anyone pen-grin! I've loved checking them out, especially alongside the Leigh Art Trail, and encourage everyone who can to do so too! You can find out more, get involved, and donate here: https://www.waddleonsea.co.uk/
2
Safer Streets in Southend
It was an honour to welcome Dame Diana Johnson, the Policing Minister to Southend and Leigh alongside my colleague Bayo Alaba MP, and the Council Leader Daniel Cowan. As well as being briefed by our local police officers on what Southend needs from Government, we also showcased our City's brilliant local businesses and faith communities.
3
Happy Birthday TrustLinks!
I joined members of our local community to thank the TrustLinks team and commemorate their 25th anniversary this month. As a charity rooted in the community and providing invaluable services and support to so many, it's only fitting that we came together to thank all the staff, volunteers, trustees, families, and founders on this very special anniversary! Here's to another 25 years and beyond!
One Year In
4
This month marked one year since the 2024 General Election, when I was elected as Southend West and Leigh's first ever Labour MP! After a whirlwind first year, the gratitude and humility I feel has not worn off. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and support you, and I'll continue to!
5
Bringing in Best Start
I'm so thrilled that Southend will be one of the areas receiving funding to set up a Best Start centre. I'll be working hard over the coming weeks and months to ensure that that funding is enough and invested properly to provide high quality support to parents and children, as well as improve care in early years settings. Watch this space for more details in the future!
6
Casework Wins
In July, my team and I helped constituents with over 1,200 new cases and answered more than 1,600 emails. Particular highlights included escalating a constituent's need for hip replacement surgery, successfully signposting constituents to needed financial support, and helping young people with SEND and their families access support and advice.