A welcome decision by BCP Council’s planning committee to approve enabling works at the Vitality Stadium, laying the groundwork for AFC Bournemouth’s planned expansion.

I visited the BBC this week to talk about two things that matter to Bournemouth. First, backing our brilliant local creatives because we need major broadcasters to invest in talent beyond London.

We can’t let late-night tweets from President Trump dictate our direction. I’m going to stand up for our values and do all I can to protect both your interests and those of our country, too.

Midwives, maternity support workers, and maternity care assistants are doing extraordinary work, but they’re being stretched too thinly. And everyone feels it. Ensuring the right staff are in the right place at the right time is vital to the safety of women and babies.

I'm grateful to Karl, store manager at Boscombe Aldi, for taking time out of a busy day to talk about the rise in shoplifting and the abuse his team are facing just for doing their jobs. No one should feel unsafe at work.

Great first half. We’d all love to come away with the three points, but a point away is decent 🍒

This week’s column is about what it means to grow up today: the pressures young people face, the role models they look up to, and the need to protect childhood better.

It was brilliant to meet A Level students at United Sixth Form, who’ve launched two impressive businesses through Young Enterprise: one in digital content creation, the other in designing and manufacturing wooden coasters that reflect Bournemouth.

I loved walking around Boscombe with Labour councillors Patrick Canavan and George Farquhar. We want to thank everyone who stopped to chat. I love Boscombe and put my constituency office on the high street. With big investments coming, I’m feeling positive about Boscombe’s future.

Huge thanks to everyone at St. Walburga’s for such a brilliant visit yesterday! I was so impressed by the poems and diary entries students wrote after reading Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah, and by their speeches on climate change.

Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to join tonight’s Southbourne Forum meeting. It was great to see so many faces, answer your questions, and hear your views at All Saints Church tonight ❤️

If you live on or near Warwick Road and have been affected by anti-social behaviour, I want to hear from you. I’m bringing local residents and the police together to talk openly about the problem and push for real solutions. To request a place at the meeting, just drop me an email.

The Department for Work and Pensions isn't only letting people down, but it's then making the situation worse for good measure. Dan and Nader deserve better than they received — and if you're going through similar experiences, please reach out: [email protected]

Antoine Semenyo is a class act, and while he's no longer playing for us, he has undoubtedly inspired kids across Bournemouth to grab a football and get playing — they just need the facilities to match.

Programmes like Erasmus+ help people step outside their comfort zone. And, when they come home, they're often stronger, more confident, and full of ideas. Erasmus+ opens up a world of opportunities, and I hope more people in Bournemouth East can get involved when the UK joins the scheme in 2027.

We're a town of animal lovers. Which is why the Government's Animal Welfare Strategy — including real enforcement of the ban on hare coursing — is a positive step in the right direction.

Last week in Parliament, I supported a campaign to make therapeutic play part of every child’s care. We all know that, while play might seem simple, it can be life-changing.

It's a privilege to become an honorary member of Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, especially since they pour so much heart into our local community.

I spent time this morning at Malmesbury Park Primary School, chatting to their Student Council about how they're representing their classmates' interests and taking questions from KS2 in assembly. We talked about the changes they've secured for their friends, leadership, and of course, playgrounds!

This weekend I held my first surgery of the year. Thanks to everyone who came to Boscombe Library and took the time to speak with me.

Today’s Bournemouth Daily Echo, page 15. Such a classy way to say goodbye 🍒

Gutted to see this chapter close. Thanks for everything, Antoine — on and off the pitch. You've given so much to our club and town. 🍒

After visiting Wicksteed, I brought the Chancellor to see the expertise behind their inclusive play equipment, and to show how British firms can help deliver better playgrounds. I want to see the £18 million investment I secured in the Budget used to support inclusive, British-made equipment.

You can oppose Venezuela’s brutal and illegitimate tyrant and support a rules-based order and international law. In a more dangerous world, security lies with stronger partnerships with democratic allies — and a pragmatic relationship with the rules-based EU.

Local news by local people for local people really matters. 📰 In Bournemouth, we’re lucky to have the Bournemouth Echo reporting on our patch for more than a century, and new outlets like Pier Journal and Bournemouth One, who are bringing fresh voices and ideas to the local media landscape.

In my first Echo column of 2026, I’ve shared some of the real stories behind the casework my team and I take on. If you’re struggling with a problem and need help, please get in touch. I’m here to fight your corner. 📩 [email protected]

Every one of these questions began with a concern from Bournemouth East, and in 2026, I’ll keep pushing for answers and action.

Ever wondered how many issues my team and I take on over the course of a year on behalf of constituents? In 2025, we worked on 10,092 cases, including 1,679 particularly complex issues. Here's how they break down. 👇

Over 2025, I shared your concerns, experiences, and views in Parliament as often as possible — totalling 353 contributions. 👇 To share a view, or get support with casework, you can always drop me an email: [email protected]

Playgrounds received more attention in Parliament in 2025 than in any year since 2008, which is quite something. Heading into 2026, here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve had so far. Thank you to everyone locally who’s shared their views, got in touch, and spoken up for children’s right to play. 🛝

Happy New Year! 🎉

As we head into the New Year, here's how I represented Bournemouth East in Parliament this month 👇

Huge congratulations to Sammy Everard on being awarded an MBE. It’s so deserved! 🎉 Since founding Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship (SAMEE) in 2015, Sammy and her team have done incredible work supporting disabled people into employment and self-employment. 📁

Here we have it: Home Alone is my top Christmas film of 2025! 🎄 🥳

Gremlins crashes straight in at No. 2.

I was so proud to represent MYTIME Young Carers at 10 Downing Street by donning one of their Christmas jumpers and highlighting the challenges young carers face compared with classmates who aren’t caring for a loved one. It’s an issue that feels particularly poignant over the Christmas period.

We've reached my Top Three Christmas Films! This might be another controversial one...

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating today! 🎄 I hope you’re able to slow down, share good food, and enjoy time with the people you love. For those who aren’t marking Christmas, or who find this time of year difficult, I hope today brings some space to relax, recharge, and find some peace.

We're into the Top Four — and with No. 4, we have our first new entry for 2025. 👀

The Santa Clause is arguably Tim Allen's finest performance, and that's a topic I won't accept debate on. The lengths to which Scott goes to keep the feeling of Christmas alive are so heartwarming, but a few new entrants coming up see this dropping down the list. 🎅

Number 6 on the list is The Holiday. A rare promotion from last year because, frankly, the idea of disappearing into someone else’s festive problems for a bit sounds lovely. ❄️

Rolling in at Number 7, it's The Snowman! Dropped a place due to how devastating it is (and some new entries coming up shortly). 👀

One last Echo column from me this year, reflecting on 2025. 👇

I'm a huge fan of Elf's message, but I just can't match Buddy's energy. Plus, his diet scares me.

It was a pleasure to attend the carol service at St Peter’s Church and read a lesson. My thanks to The Rev’d Canon Nicholas Jepson-Biddle and everyone who organised the service, performed beautifully, and came together to share a special time. A truly lovely way to mark the season. 🎄

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a mug of hot chocolate in film form: sweet, warm, and there when you need it.

Die Hard’s been relegated to 10th almost entirely because of the state of the comments section last year. It’s staying on the list, but I am protecting my peace.

At Christmas, the difference Hope Housing makes in Bournemouth really matters. 🎄 Alongside mince pies and good conversation, it was a privilege to spend time with residents and support workers who treat everyone as an individual. Their work is genuinely life-changing. ❤️

Thank you to Dorset Race Equality Council for coming into the office last week. We had a really valuable conversation about how we connect communities and bring people together, as well as the vital casework support and advice they provide to residents facing racism or discrimination.

Apparently, he was making sure the books were in elf-abetical order. I'm not so sure...👀