I want to wish everyone a blessed Lent commencing this Ash Wednesday. As Christians begin their Lenten fast before Easter, across the constituency, our churches and congregations will be marking this holy time of year with services.

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. A giant for peace, unity, and respect for one another. He never forgot where he came from or who he was fighting for. As Jesse said, “Let’s keep hope alive.” Rest in Peace. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3...

I know many Muslims around Wolverhampton North East will be awaiting sunset to see if Ramadan is to begin. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed Ramadan should it begin this evening or tomorrow. Ramadan Mubarak.

Gong Xi Fa Cai and Kung Hei Fat Choi to people celebrating Lunar New Year across Wolverhampton and the world. May wealth and fortune follow you all year, as we enter the Year of the Horse!

The Finance Bill (aka 'The Budget') made its way through the "Committee Stage" in the Houses of Commons. The committee stage is a detailed, line-by-line examination of a bill that occurs after its second reading in the UK Parliament. It allows MPs to undertake scrutiny, debate and amend the bill. 🤓

💷💷Reminder: In April 2025 (nearly a year ago now), the Labour Government introduced the largest ever cash increase in the National Living Wage. Do you think this was a good move?...we do. labour.org.uk/delivery-fee...

I had a wonderful day at a community baby shower held at Sant Ashram on Woden Road. The community came together to celebrate the very newest members of our community (and those community members to be!)

As we approach the end of National HIV Testing Week, I would encourage people to take a few minutes to order a free test kid, which lets you get tested quickly, simply, and all from home🏡 You can order a free testing kit now at bit.ly/3KzpQLD #ITest #HIVTestingWeek

National Apprenticeship Week means I've seen so many inspirational young people in Parliament, doing apprenticeships of all levels.

As it's National Apprenticeship Week, I want to highlight the amazing work being done by local companies, and by our amazing local apprentices! In Parliament, I attended SMMT's showcase of motor industry apprentices, meeting important employers like JLR, Halfords and DAF Trucks.

As a former teacher, one of my favourite parts of being an MP is working with the schools at the heart of our community. I was pleased to visit Moreton, in the Fallings Park Ward of Wolverhampton, where I met the dedicated staff and friendly students.

So pleased that the government have worked with Foster Carers, charities and care experienced young people to deliver a new Fostering Action Plan. Now is a great time to find out more: ✅ Wolverhampton → fosteringforwolverhampton.com
✅ Walsall → go.walsall.gov.uk/fostering

It was an absolute pleasure to join the I Awards at the fantastic Wolverhampton North East venue The Grand Station!

ICYMI: Fantastic news for Bushbury residents and shopkeepers around Broadway as Allied Pharmacies will be opening in the former Jhoots hopefully as early as next week!

Cancer is currently the country’s biggest killer. That’s why this Government is investing £2bn in Cancer Services in England. But what does that mean for patients? You can read more in the news below: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

Cancer is currently the country’s biggest killer. That’s why this Government is investing £2bn in Cancer Services in England. You can read more in the news below: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

I enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat about mental health with the Men Walking and Talking Wednesfield, ht this time in Westminster! www.expressandstar.com/news/local-h...

I’ve just had some positive news for residents of Bushbury. I’ve just met with Allied Pharmacies, and I’m really pleased to say they’re reopening the former Jhoots Pharmacy, hopefully as early as next week.

🚉 🚉 Public ownership is back. West Midlands Railway.

Yesterday I was really pleased to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to Wolverhampton train station. There could hardly be a more fitting place to make an important announcement about the future of our railways: West Midlands Trains is coming into public ownership.

🤗 www.expressandstar.com/your-world/2...

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, and I have lit a candle to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and to stand against prejudice. In Wolverhampton North East, we stand united to ensure that the stories of those who suffered and perished are remembered. We must never forget.

🕯 We take this solemn moment to emphasise the responsibility of younger generations to preserve the memory of survivors and carry their lessons forward. Lest blind fervour and selfish indifference again conspire in horrors against common human decency.

🚪🚪 My team and I are regularly out and about in the constituency, knocking on doors and talking with residents. It's a great way to hear your stories and keep up to date with your issues. In Bushbury, Fallings Park, Heath Town, New Invention, Short Heath (see below) and Wednesfield.

As the economy stabilises after the erratic Tory years, interest rates continue to fall, and many households in Wolverhampton and Willenhall continue to benefit.

During UK Parliament Week, it was a pleasure to attend and lead an assembly at Thomas Telford UTC. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the role of Parliament, and to take some challenging questions from the students. I absolutely loved being back in the Assembly Hall!

🏥 Our NHS is always in better hands with Labour! Yes, there’s more to do, and more we will do, but with record investment, modernisation, and the dedication of NHS staff, the NHS is on its way to recovery ❤️🩹 www.facebook.com/share/r/14Xc...

I was fortunate to visit the amazing Woden Primary for a second time before Christmas. And there is so much happening! The school has recently achieved the Silver Equality Award on their very first attempt.

🏫 As a former deputy head teacher, I still love visiting schools, and getting to know the vibrant educational communities which exist across the constituency. I recently visited Lodge Farm School in Short Heath. #Willenhall #Education #EarlyYears

♻️ Critical minerals underpin our modern life in the UK. They are central to our national and economic security, and it is essential that we secure resilient supply chains.

You may have heard about the £20million community fund which I secured for Low Hill, and I was pleased to head down to Bushbury EMB to discuss it with local residents and volunteers. Communities, like those here at the EMB will be vital to the project succeeding and making a real difference.

Bentley Bridge is a vibrant, fun place to be. Whether you’re after a bite to eat, heading to the cinema or bowling or popping out for a pint. It’s an important leisure hub for our community and should always feel safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

First Train Fare Freeze in 30 Years kicks in! 🚆❄️ Rail users know what January usually brings …. fare hikes. Over the past three years, average train fares rose around 5–6% each year. Not this year. For the first time in 30 years, train fares are frozen.

😊 Spread a smile charity: Supporting children with laughter, therapy, and magic in hospital. It was a real pleasure to attend the Spread a Smile Parliamentary Drop-In and to meet Varun, who shared so openly how much Spread a Smile supported him during his hospital stays.

Last year ended with the fantastic news that City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council secured increased funding from the Labour Government, putting an end to the austerity that Local Government faced for too many years under the Conservatives.

I hope that everyone in Wolverhampton, Willenhall, and across the country has a fantastic new year! Whether spent at home, out with friends, or perhaps even on a walk to get some fresh air, I wish you a wonderful start to the year.

Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is full of peace and prosperity for everyone in Wolverhampton and Willenhall.

It was a real privilege to visit the Willenhall ambulance hub to spend time listening to the staff who work tirelessly on the frontline every day. With 384 dedicated staff, this hub has been operating for over a decade, responding flexibly wherever patients need help across the area.

Before Christmas, I attended the APPG for Dentistry and Oral Health, where we heard from Stephen Kinnock, the Minister responsible for dentistry, and met people from across the sector.

So much heart in one place 🧡 Met up with Lisa and her fantastic team at Hope Community Project, Heath Town who were getting ready for their Winter Lantern Light-Up 🏮🎄

Before Christmas I had a wonderful evening at Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist Church for the Christmas “Joy to the World” Carol Service. The service and musicians helped to certainly bring Joy. Beautifully uplifting and such a lovely way to celebrate this very special time✨

Before their well-earned Christmas break, I was thrilled to be joined in Parliament by some amazing students from Willenhall E-ACT. We had a Q&A session where they put me through my paces, and they shared their priorities with me.

I hope that you have enjoyed a restful Christmas, and will be enjoying time with family. My office staff will be at home with their families until the new year. While the inbox is still being monitored, and emergencies will be responded to, reply times will be slower than usual until the New Year

Wishing everyone in Wolverhampton, Willenhall and beyond a very Happy Christmas. A special thank you to all working shifts today to protect and care for us, our emergency services, armed forces, NHS staff, carers, and everyone spending Christmas away from their families.

I spent the final Sunday evening before Christmas Day at St Thomas’ Church Nine Lessons and Carols service, a traditional celebration of carols and Christmas readings held by candlelight 🕯️🎄

Merry Christmas everyone! Please see this month's newsletter, covering all of the festive fun that has been going on in Wolverhampton and Walsall, as well as important news from Westminster. This year me and team have: ✅ Received and read 8634 of your emails ✅ Concluded 3634 cases for residents

✨🎄 Amazing to see children and young people deliver a truly special Christmas service at NTCG Harvest Temple, Heath Town! 🎄✨ The service featured a beautiful children’s Nativity play 👼🌟, talented young musicians and singers 🎶🎸, and a powerful service led by our youth 🔥

🎄✨ The Milestone’s Community Matters Christmas EXTRAvaganza absolutely blew me away this year! So many wonderful people, laughter echoing everywhere, and somehow… it even surpassed last year’s amazing celebration!

It was wonderful to join a heartwarming Christingle Service at St Mary’s Church in Bushbury. Thank you Reverend Dr Ian Poole for your work, and warm welcome to your church. It has been fantastic joining so many services across the constituency on the run up to Christmas.

I've been fighting in Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Westminster for fair funding for our Councils. Over the 14 years of Tory-rule, Councils were stripped to the bone, and this Labour Government is now making it their mission to put this money back where it belongs.