By his own admission, my colleague “spreadsheet Phil” Hammond isn’t the flashiest of politicians, but during this year’s budget he did have a few rabbits up his sleeve which will mean that people and businesses across Stockport will be able to face the future with more certainty.
UK Parliament Week is about promoting engagement in our democracy, and it was great to visit 2nd Cheadle Scouts at their HQ to take questions about my role as an MP, as well as a few other issues you may have seen hitting the headlines in recent weeks.
It was an honour to attend the commemorative service for Lieutenant James Kirk, a Cheadle Hulme local who was killed in action 100 years ago today, and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for the bravery he showed in defending the freedoms we still enjoy today.
It was great to meet a group from Cheadle Hulme High School for a Q&A in Parliament. I hold sessions like this with a number of schools throughout the year and I was pleased to see young people engaged with the issues of the day as ever!
There are a number of great local markets in our area and Worker Bee Markets, run by local resident Clare Simpson, are bringing even more artisan goods to our doorstep.
It was great to be on BBC Sunday Politics North West again, talking Peterloo, carers, high streets and rail investment. You can watch the episode here.
I've pledged my support for the 58 convenience stores in the Cheadle constituency at the Association of Convenience Stores’ (ACS) Heart of the Community reception in Parliament, to celebrate the essential role that local shops play in our communities.
I've joined a call to action for World Homeless Day and added my voice to the ‘Everybody In’ campaign to end homelessness, an initiative by the national homeless charity, Crisis.
I had a lovely afternoon with local dignitaries, Councillors, members of the community and the team at Notcutts Woodford, as they celebrated the opening of their new garden and restaurant.
