As the first ever MP for East Thanet and the first ever Labour MP for Margate there have been lots of firsts this week. The first time I said out loud “I am the MP for Thanet East” to the new members call centre, then “I am your MP” to the lady selling raffle tickets at the Reading Street Open Gardens Festival, then the first time I said “standing up for my constituents” as an MP. Then of course the many firsts getting the hang of the new workplace, as well as extraordinary experiences like being sworn in and witnessing the election of the speaker.
Going from there being only one Labour MP in Kent to having 11 (including the Medway towns) is an extraordinary achievement and lovely to form a strong team. It is even more exciting to have three “out” MPs in Kent too. That really is a first and a sign parliament is becoming more representative.
The firsts of the Labour government are pretty extraordinary too: 93% of the cabinet is state school educated, with an education secretary who relied on free school meals, a health secretary who relied on the NHS for his cancer treatment and a housing secretary who grew up in a council house. These are important differences from the last government, as they mean we have people making decisions who know the difference that government can make to people and the transformation that active government support can make to people’s lives.
The first week of the Labour government showed an impatience for change that was reflected in the conversations I had with voters throughout the campaign: starting conversations to end the junior doctors dispute, stopping water bosses using money for bonuses and dividends that should be spent on infrastructure, the rapid change in planning to build the homes we need, lifting the onshore wind ban to generate cleaner cheaper energy, kickstarting the recruitment of specialist teachers and a national wealth fund to create thousands of new jobs.
I am looking forward to the King’s Speech this week as we see the raft of bills that will make these and our other pledges a reality. There is so much to do to turn the country round. This came up when I had my first appearance on the BBC as an MP when I was challenged about how Labour is planning to tackle child poverty which has gone up so much under the Tories. When we were in power we lifted half a million children out of poverty and I am looking forward to making similarly significant inroads again.
The limit on child benefit only going to two children has caused real harm to many families and contributed to deeper poverty which we will have to address. Our initial commitments to free breakfast clubs in every primary school, improved rights for renters, warm homes, better employment rights and a back to work plan will all help. But as ever these are the first steps on our mission and I want to see the very poorest in Thanet benefit from a Labour government that is led and run by ministers who have often experienced the hardships we are committed to erase.
The nicest and kindest “firsts” are those from constituents, those who were delighted to see me when I went doorknocking to say thank you this last weekend, to those who stopped me on the street to say congrats and flag to me issues that need fixing. It was important to to be briefed by senior officers at Thanet District Council to understand their ambitions for the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and what change they want to see from a Labour government in order to unleash the full potential of this brilliant community.
This, first and foremost, is a job of enormous responsibility which no one should take lightly. For all the formalities of Westminster, ultimately the job is to work hard for East Thanet and to make this place and this country fairer healthier and better off.
It’s the honour of my life and as I said when I campaigned, I will be an MP for everyone. If you need help, do email [email protected]. Please be patient while I set up my office. I want to ensure I am ready to serve you in the best way possible.
