13/05/10 - Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article

It’s been a strange few days! I arrived in Westminster, a mix of excitement and nerves with more than a hundred new Conservative MPs, eager and ready to learn the protocols of Parliament. I am so proud to have been given this opportunity.

Swirling around us have been some of the most dramatic political events for a generation. Within a few hundred yards, the negotiations for a coalition government have taken place, the transfer of power has happened, and the new cabinet has been appointed. But I’ve missed nearly all of it. Moving between appointments, meetings and buildings (for which I have got lost a number of times, including an embarrassing detour via the catering kitchen!), I’ve often learned of each new development only by text from someone watching television. That’s how I heard that David Cameron was on his way to address us on Tuesday night. And so it was that I found myself hurrying into a packed committee room at exactly the same time as the new Prime Minister. We received a rapturous reception, although I’m prepared to concede that most of it was directed at David Cameron! And quite rightly so. He has led us in to government after 13 long years. Now the work must really begin to bring about the changes this country so desperately needs.

And the work begins for me in North Swindon, too. As quickly as possible I will be looking to organise a constituency office as the case work that is coming in, thick and fast. I have already started work on a number of issues, for which I am determined to be a highly visible and approachable local MP.

One of the first big issues, as highlighted by the Adver earlier this week, has been the problems encountered by voters at polling stations in my former council ward, Abbey Meads. I have already had talks with the Returning Officer, for which we will be contacting the Electoral Commission to give our feedback. It’s essential that everything possible is done to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to cast their vote easily. Our suggestions include pushing for electronic registers to speed up the process, exploring ways to have additional polling staff at peak times and perhaps to explore internet and telephone voting options again.

This afternoon, I’m back to Swindon….and it’s off to the football. A friend of mine queued for ages to get us tickets for Town’s play-off semi-final against Charlton. While I’m there I’ll be meeting the Club’s CEO Nick Watkins, to discuss how I can help Swindon Town FC. So with the blue rosette packed away, I’ll be cheering on the Reds, fingers crossed for Wembley!