📰 In last week's Middy column, I talk about the recent SEND coffee morning that I hosted in Haywards Heath for Mid Sussex residents. You can read it here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

We have warned from the start that the UK has to avoid being dragged into another war in the Middle East. Starmer must now let Parliament vote on the terms of the agreement with the US for their use of UK bases. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...

Potholes plague our roads in Mid Sussex. The Conservatives have run West Sussex County Council for decades, leaving our roads in a mess. I recently asked the Leader of the House of Commons about our situation. He agreed the local authority simply must do better.

My thoughts are with the families of the two young people who tragically lost their lives to Meningitis in Kent this weekend. Earlier today I responded to the Secretary of State's statement on behalf of my Lib Dem colleagues: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVxV...

On Friday I held a coffee morning for parents of SEND children. We chatted about people's experiences and discussed the government's SEND white paper. If you would like to hear about any future events, or if you think I can help please email: [email protected]

Really interesting conversations out talking to people in Haywards Heath earlier today with Kirsten one of our talented candidates.

📰 This week’s Monday Mail was dedicated to all things water. You can read it here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...

Yesterday, to mark #youngcarersactionday, I joined Young Carers from Barnet, Suffolk and Manchester at Downing Street. We took 15,000 postcards with a message to the PM from young carers from across the country: we need more support in schools to balance learning with our caring role.

I AM HIRING! I am looking for a full time caseworker to join my team here in Mid Sussex. Are you an empathetic and effective communicator? Do you have casework or customer service experience? Do you want help the people of Mid Sussex? If so, take a look: www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...

Young carers do incredible and often unsung work looking after disabled and seriously ill family members. But as a result, they often don't have the same opportunities as their peers to succeed at school, and beyond. That's why I think they should receive the pupil-premium.

On #IWD, it's a real treat to have been out supporting two of our brilliant women candidates, Caro and Lauren who are beginning their campaigns to serve on West Sussex County Council. My gratitude as ever, goes out to all the men - like David - who support and advocate for women's representation. 🙏

📰 In my latest Middy column, I wrote about the government's plans to reform the SEND system and the importance of getting this right for families. You can read it here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

With A&E in crisis, services are under huge strain.  Lib Dems have a plan to fix emergency care. Lib Dem MPs visited London Ambulance Service HQ to thank the staff keeping Londoners safe.

Happy World Book Day! Books open up the world to all of us. They are such a vital part of how we learn, think and create - and reading them keeps our brains healthy. Keep reading!

📰 In Monday's weekly newsletter, I wrote about: • The government’s plans for schools and the SEND system • The Lib Dems' opposition day debates on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and social media regulation • What’s happening in Iran and the Middle East www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

On Friday, a burst sewer led to sewage spilling into woodland and Pook Bourne near Burgess Hill. The EA has told me of a “significant impact”. It was contained by Southern Water but they are now tankering sewage until it is repaired. I visited today, am asking questions and will keep you updated.

The govt expect cash-strapped councils to save money by merging with other councils. But these mergers are going to cost huge amounts of time and money. Councils are going to be out of pocket as a result, and as for whether or not the long-term savings will prove real - the only time will tell.

Glad to miss the rain and get out to talk to residents in Haywards Heath today.

Portage - Early Years SEND Support It was a real pleasure to meet Pam and Glenys from the National Portage Association (NPA) during the week. It was a timely reminder of the value of early intervention in supporting children with SEND.

It was good to join our Hassocks councillors at the village market this morning, and chat to people enjoying a welcome spot of dry weather.

It's Friday! We Lib Dems are looking forward to getting out over the weekend to speak to people right across Mid Sussex. If you see us, do come and say hello. If you want to get involved in our county council campaign, why not volunteer? www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/volunteer

Great to be out in Burgess Hill earlier today with two of our current county councillors, Erika and Richard. Interesting conversations about bereavement support, the navigating the NHS if you aren't online, and the ECHR. Thank you to everyone to took the time to chat to us.

📰 In my latest Middy column, I discuss the reinstatement of the County Council elections and the positive message that Liberal Democrats are offering the people of Sussex. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I wrote about Labour's latest u turn - reinstating local elections - and what's at stake on 7th May. You can read it here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Great afternoon yesterday in Lindfield talking to people about the issues that matter to them. I also reported this pothole on Luxford Road. Anyone can report potholes to West Sussex County Council here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-tr...

I joined Amanda Fadero, CEO at St Peter and St James along with patrons and supporters of the hospice for a 'Boardroom Talk' on Monday. I also saw one of the new Continuing Health Care (CHC) rooms that were opened last year after the hospice secured £250,000 in additional NHS funding.

Yesterday I met BHTC's Cllrs Williams and Black at Wivelsfield Station. We walked the footpath that runs parallel to the railway line, to help us visualise an idea from the Worlds End Association about where a new path could be added that would give the western platform step free access.

📰 In my latest Middy column, I talk about potholes in Mid Sussex and the importance of doing something to make sure our roads are fit for purpose. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

I've been out campaigning in Sussex where the local elections are back on! Come join us to help defeat the Conservatives, stop Reform and wipe the smile of Nigel Farage's face in May.

And we're off! Starting our 2026 local election campaign in Burgess Hill to re-elect Jane Davey.

Politics moves fast! This morning's Monday Mail covered the government's relationship with Palantir, maternity services in Sussex... 🗳️ ...and how last week I was still fighting for our local elections to go ahead. www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Wivelsfield Station was promised step-free access by the last Conservative government as the 2024 election was called. Labour have now been confirmed the money was never there. Last week I met the Rail Minister and am working locally to get this project back on track.

"The Govt. cancelling elections on a whim further erodes the loss of trust in politics." @AlisonEBennett.bsky.social

The Holly Project was set up last year as a SEND forest school for children who are struggling to attend school for a range of reasons. The Holly Project allows young people to thrive in a different type of classroom. The little chicks are definitely a fan favourite too! 🐤

📰 In my latest Middy column, I discussed the Epstein Files and the importance of listening to victims. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

The government's relationship with Palantir stinks. Palantir has links to Mandelson and Epstein, and it's extending its web of influence across our public sector services. That's why I think the govt must be more open about the deals between Palantir and the MoD.

Great to see @alisonebennett.bsky.social wearing her #HeartMonth BHF badge today in the House of Commons Chamber, showing her support for heart health! 📣A reminder for MPs, please wear your badges throughout February to also show your support ❤️

The government can't legislate its way out of the PM's poor judgement. The PM's Chief Secretary outlined plans to 'improve processes', in the wake of the Mandelson scandal. Improved processes are all well and good, but they don't improve a PM's faltering judgement.

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail I shared my thoughts on the Epstein Files and what is says about listening to victims rather than the powerful. I also talked about a lovely visit to the Burgess Hill Creative Community. You can read it here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

📰 In my latest Middy column, I discussed the issue of 'Corridor Care' in Sussex hospitals and what needs to be done to eradicate this from our health service, for the benefit of both patients and staff. Have a read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Burgess Hill Creative Community is a friendly social hub which provides a space for people to take part in skill-sharing activities like crafts, pottery and weaving. Learn more about the BHCC at www.bhcreativecommunity.co.uk or watch their video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dj9...

Once again, I have written to South East Water to ask for data on customer demand and leakages over the winter, after they responded to my Facebook posts and blamed customer demand for the persisting hosepipe ban. This contradicts their previous communications to customers and stakeholders.

Today is World Cancer Day. We've made great strides in the fight against cancer, but there's much more to do. It's fantastic charities like 'Walk The Walk' that keep us moving in the right direction.

It doesn't matter where you live in Mid Sussex, you tell me about the dire state of repair of our roads. Roads were left to crumble under the previous Conservative government. I spoke in Parliament today and asked the Minister for Local Transport to do better. The Lib Dems will keep pushing.

This morning, I was on BBC Sussex talking about my petition calling for South East Water to end the hosepipe ban: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

📰In this week's Monday Mail: - A moving exhibition marking Holocaust Memorial Day. - Why do we still have a hosepipe ban? - The spiralling costs of the Royal Sussex County Hospital's helipad. www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Today, I wrote to South East Water asking why their assessment of groundwater levels differ to those of the Environment Agency, and when they intend to lift the hosepipe ban. Sign my petition calling on South East Water to lift the hosepipe ban here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/en...

A bit drizzly this afternoon in Burgess Hill, but it was really good to be out chatting to folk on the doorstep after a few weeks off. Thank you 🙏

Investment in hospitals is essential, and if a helipad helps critically ill patients reach care faster, that matters. But when NHS capital is so constrained, a £16m project that’s late and limited in use raises serious questions about planning and accountability.

January has been anything but dry, and Ardingly Reservoir is now full. Yet Mid Sussex residents are still under a hosepipe ban. Please sign my petition calling for the hosepipe ban to be lifted. South East Water need to lift the ban now! www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/en...