The leasehold system in England and Wales has been broken for too long. Too many leaseholders face unfair ground rents, hidden charges, poor service from managing agents, and limited control over their own homes. We’re determined to change that The Government has launched a major public consultation on the next phase of leasehold reform. 📣 This is your opportunity to help shape the future of leasehold in this country. Have your say before 26 September 2025: https://consult

Alongside local councillors, on Saturday I met with company representatives to discuss their proposal to close the local depot and relocate operations to Atherstone – a move that puts local jobs at risk. We made it clear: this decision would seriously impact the workforce. For many, commuting simply isn’t a realistic option. We challenged the claim that no suitable local site exists and put forward a viable alternative to keep FedEx in Newcastle-under-Lyme. With strong transp

One of the most persistent and serious issues raised with me since I became the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme has been the poor state of our local roads. From vehicle damage to pedestrian hazards, constituents have made it clear that deteriorating road surfaces are causing real problems across the borough. To better capture the scale and specific locations of concern, I launched the Great Potholes Survey earlier this year. I wanted to hear directly from reside

A targeted approach to the Winter Fuel Payment is right – but it must also be fair to those in need and to tax payers. That’s why I welcome the Chancellor’s decision to reinstate Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners with incomes under £35,000. This change will mean over three-quarters of pensioners in England and Wales will receive the payment this winter – and it will make a real difference to many in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the country. Since the original decision t

My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel this week Last week I visited Walleys Quarry landfill site, to see the works underway and the progress being made by the Environment Agency for myself. We all know how much Walleys Quarry has dominated the conversation in Newcastle-under-Lyme. After everything our community has been through – the odour, the anxiety, the unanswered questions, and the years of ignored concerns – it was important to witness the restoration efforts fi

This week, FedEx announced its intention to close the depot at Parkhouse Industrial Park — a decision that puts around 400 jobs in Newcastle-under-Lyme at risk. The site has operated for over 35 years and is home to a workforce made up largely of long-serving, highly experienced local people. FedEx says it plans to replace five UK depots, including Parkhouse, with two new ‘super hubs’ in Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire. But for workers here, that amounts to being told to rel

To mark the recent St George’s Day celebrations, I was honoured to lead the St George’s Day and English Affairs debate in Parliament — a chance to reflect on what it means to be English, to celebrate our history, and above all, to recognise the people who make our country what it is today. As I said in my speech: “England’s greatest asset is its people. Hard-working, God-fearing, decent folks who don’t walk by on the other side but turn up to be counted.” From the NHS to our

My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel this week Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day – a significant milestone in our national story and a moment of deep reflection. Across Newcastle-under-Lyme, people have come together to honour this occasion with pride and respect throughout this week. From school assemblies to wreath-laying ceremonies, and with today’s service at St Giles’ Church and the lighting of a beacon, our community has shown real appreciation for the