🗳️ Local Elections are taking place on Thursday 1 May across Newcastle-under-Lyme. Voters will be choosing their representatives on Staffordshire County Council, and in Knutton and Loggerheads there will also be by-elections for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. To vote, you must: ✅ Be registered by 11:59pm on Friday 11 April ✅ Bring photo ID to the polling station If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID (such as a passport, driving licence, or eligible bus pass),

Thank you to everyone in Newcastle-under-Lyme who took the time to respond to my recent survey on higher education funding. I heard from students, members of staff, graduates, and family members who are worried about the future of our colleges and universities. Your responses described course closures, job losses, increased pressure on staff, and students struggling to access the support they need. Your submissions were formally sent to the Education Select Committee ahead of

This week, I was pleased to welcome Darren Jones MP , the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to Silkworks, at Cross Street in Chesterton. Over 100 new affordable homes will be built on this site and across two others in our area, thanks to the Government’s £2 billion investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest boost to housing of its kind in a generation. This isn’t just about national figures or announcements – it’s about real change right here in Newcastle-und

With Ravensmead Primary School, in the Education Centre in Parliament It was a real pleasure to welcome pupils from Ravensmead Primary School in Newcastle-under-Lyme to Parliament this week. During their visit, we had the chance to sit down for a Q&A, and I was genuinely impressed by their thoughtful questions and curiosity. It’s always a joy to see young people so engaged and eager to learn more about how our democracy works. Visits like these are a reminder of the importanc

During the Second World War, brave pilots and navigators flew unarmed and unarmoured aircraft deep into enemy territory to gather critical intelligence. They served in the Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU)—and their work helped shape the course of the war. Flying solo missions in Spitfires and Mosquitos, the PRU captured more than 26 million aerial photographs across all theatres of operation. The intelligence they gathered supported some of the most critical decisions

On Friday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Brampton Museum as part of Visit England’s Tourism Week – a national celebration of the places, people, and businesses that make our tourism sector so special. During my visit, I met with representatives from our local tourism industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges they face, and how we can work together to strengthen what Newcastle-under-Lyme has to offer. From cultural attractions and historic sites to local hospit

This week in Parliament, I raised serious concerns about the Government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). While it’s right to support people into work, any reform to PIP must be introduced fairly, with compassion, and with the voices of disabled people at its heart. The Government’s own impact assessment raised further worrying questions, and I made it clear to Ministers that these cannot be ignored. I asked the Minister to meet with me to go through

A well-connected transport system is vital — for our local economy, for our health and wellbeing, and for building pride in our communities. But right now, too many people across Newcastle-under-Lyme are being let down by unreliable or non-existent local bus services. Whether it’s difficulty accessing shops, missed medical appointments, or young people losing out on opportunities — across Betley, Audley, Wolstanton and beyond, the message is clear: we need better. In the Hous

Outside the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre on Hassell Street On Friday I was proud to welcome the Minister for Veterans, Al Carns MP, to Newcastle-under-Lyme for a visit to the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre—an extraordinary charity that does vital work supporting veterans across our community and beyond. The centre, which has been operating since 2015, is run by veterans for veterans. It offers crucial services including help with housing, employment, and

In Parliament, I recently raised my concerns with the Foreign Secretary about the worsening situation in Gaza. The breakdown of the ceasefire and the ongoing suffering of innocent civilians have shocked people across our community, and I felt it was vital to take those concerns directly to the Government. Following a number of conversations with constituents, I pressed the Foreign Secretary on what specific discussions he has had with key regional partners—including Saudi Ara