The Boaz Trust held their first parliamentary drop-in this week. It was useful to discuss homelessness among people newly granted refugee status, including in south Manchester. Important work being done to push for positive policy reform.

Breast Cancer Now’s annual Wear It Pink photocall in Parliament asks MPs to wear pink to support their campaign. It was valuable to hear local data and insights, and to show my support for those affected by breast cancer.

Yesterday was the Second Reading of the Hillsborough Law. It’s a vital step towards ensuring fairness, truth and accountability for victims, families and survivors of public tragedies. A long overdue change and a lasting tribute to the Hillsborough campaigners who never gave up.

Good to hear about Homeless Link’s Breaking the Cycle campaign to empower homelessness services to scale up their excellent work. The Government’s upcoming Homelessness Strategy aims to move us from crisis towards a country free from homelessness. homeless.org.uk/what-we-do/c...

280,000 more families in the North West will receive £150m off their energy bills this winter. Labour is expanding the Warm Home Discount to provide vital cost of living support for low-income households and pensioners across the country. jeffsmithmp.com/2025/11/04/l...

Did you know that 66% of animals are negatively impacted by private firework displays, and 40% of pet owners feel awkward discussing their fireworks concerns with their neighbours? You can find out more about what to consider here: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwel...

At this week’s PMQs, I was called to ask a question for the first time since returning to the backbenches. I used that opportunity to raise the situation in Gaza, which I know is a concern for many of my constituents.

Reading is a core skill, needed for work, for life, and for the future. Labour is introducing a test at year 8 to ensure proper support is in place for every child: www.gov.uk/government/n...

Manchester City Council are holding a drop-in session as part of the consultation on the Manchester Draft Local Plan. If you’d like to find out more, you can attend on: 📍Tuesday 4 November, 4–7pm at Withington Baths (M20 3EB)

Good to see the government empowering The Environment Agency with stronger powers to hold water companies to account: www.gov.uk/government/n...

I’m delighted to have been elected to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, which does important work scrutinising the work of the DCMS and its associated public bodies. Hoping to bring my pre-MP experience to the role, and I’m looking forward to getting started this week.

If you’re a current or former postmaster, you may be eligible for the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. Apply before 31 January 2026. More info here: www.onepostoffice.co.uk/scheme

I met senior staff from Great Places housing to discuss their work in South Manchester, raise some concerns about homes they manage in Manchester Withington, and tour the new Rossett development in West Didsbury.

High Time To Screen is Prostate Cancer Research’s new report on the importance of targeted prostate cancer screening, which would ease late-stage pressures on the NHS and save lives. I met @pcr-uk.bsky.social in Parliament to discuss their campaign

The Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt exhibition has been on display in Parliament. Each quilt square represents an individual lost to suicide, designed by families and friends in their memory. It was nice to meet Adele Owen from the Manchester Suicide Prevention team to hear about their work

The Government’s Inactivity Trailblazer scheme has been extended for another year, with Greater Manchester receiving £10 million to provide tailored, local employment support: jeffsmithmp.com/2025/10/22/m...

Everyone should be treated fairly at work, whatever their age. Age UK has useful guidance on tackling ageism in the workplace: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-...

The Labour Government is working to cut through the red tape that has held back our hospitality sector, and are seeking views from owners, punters and communities on our licensing system: www.gov.uk/government/c...

Tonight's Ladybarn Neighbourhood Curry Night, organised by Manchester Student Homes, is a chance for students and local residents to come together and meet your neighbours. 📅 Thursday 16 October, 5–7pm 📍 Ladybarn Community Hub

The Government is giving councils an £84 million boost to help prevent homelessness and support families this winter — with children and families in temporary accommodation at the heart of this funding:

It was good to catch up with Friends of the Earth Manchester to discuss the governments upcoming climate plans, the importance of strong climate targets, and prioritising green growth.

Manchester City Council is inviting residents, businesses, & community groups to take part in their consultation on how land will be used across the borough over the coming years: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200024/...

It was great to officially open the Greater Manchester Fair Trade event in Chorlton, which featured fair trade stalls (including fair trade footballs!), activities with an emphasis on sustainability, and great discussions on the importance of Fairtrade.

From 2027, new NHS online hospitals will transform healthcare, giving patients the chance to connect with clinicians digitally, from anywhere in England: www.england.nhs.uk/2025/09/new-...

This Saturday, 1-3pm is the Green and Fair community day at St Chad’s Ladybarn. Everyone welcome for an afternoon with crafts, food, fair trade, and more.

One of the best parts of my job since the election was getting to know and supporting our brilliant new MPs make their mark. They are our strength. See why so many are voting for me to be Deputy Leader.

Barlow RC High School in Didsbury is the first school to achieve accreditation as ‘Carbon Literate Educator’ by @carbonliteracy.bsky.social It was a pleasure to attend their award ceremony and present certificates to the students who’ve worked so hard to get this recognition.

Voting opened today for Labour’s deputy leader. I’m supporting Lucy Powell as a strong, full time progressive voice for change

It was good to catch up with Craig from Etchells newsagents in Chorlton, along with Doug from the Federation of Independent Retailers. We discussed issues facing independent and small businesses, and the importance of local shops in our communities.

The government has expanded Great British Energy’s scheme to install more solar panels in schools and hospitals: ➡️Around 250 schools & 270 NHS sites will benefit ➡️ A typical school could save up to £25k a year ➡️ An average NHS site could save up to £45k a year

A team of volunteers at Albemarle Allotment are doing some great work in the community, including donating fruit & veg to Withington Community Kitchen. Check out their short film to learn more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jGW...

It means a lot to me to have the support of former Labour Leader Neil Kinnock. He represents our values and our traditions, and was one of our great leaders and orators. Neil Kinnock backs Lucy Powell in Labour deputy leadership race www.standard.co.uk/news/politic...

The Transpennine Route Upgrade Community Fund is back. £250,000 is available to support local projects improve indoor & outdoor community spaces along the route. www.neighbourly.com/trucommunity...

I am proud to support my friend and Manchester colleague @lucympowell.bsky.social for Labour’s Deputy Leader, who has met the threshold for CLP and affiliate nominations. Lucy is the independent, experienced voice our party needs🌹

📮 Thousands of people in Manchester need to reapply for their postal vote before 31 Jan 2026. If you're affected and haven’t heard from the Elections Team, contact: 📧 [email protected] 📞 0161 234 1212 Don’t lose your vote!

My plan to grab the political microphone back. Farage has had it for too long 👇 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. 31% of people see their GP three or more times before getting a diagnosis. For support and info, visit: bloodcancer.org.uk/about-us/our...

Manchester City Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2025-30 will cut council emissions by 44%, prioritising climate change adaption and keeping the city on track for zero carbon by 2038: www.manchester.gov.uk/news/article...

I’ve long supported the recognition of the state of Palestine as a vital step to a peaceful future. I met with the Palestinian ambassador, Husam Zomlot, regarding the Labour Government’s recognition of Palestine.

I’m standing to be a full-time Deputy Leader of the Labour Party so I can focus on bridging our membership, communities and leadership. More and more people are supporting my hopeful vision for change. Join my campaign here actionnetwork.org/forms/volunt...

Withington Pride is celebrating its 3rd birthday this Saturday. Free and open to everyone- come along and join the celebrations!

Thanks to everyone that joined the Hough End community litter pick at the weekend. Good to start the season with a commitment to keeping the site clean and reducing single use plastics.

Today is a historic moment. Labour is proud to introduce the Hillsborough Law – landmark legislation to ensure truth, candour and justice after tragedy. #HillsboroughLaw

A fantastic day at Chorlton Pride on Saturday, with some great performers and brilliant community support. Thanks to all the organisers and volunteers who helped make it happen.

Join us tomorrow for a community litter pick at Hough End Playing fields, as part of the Greater Manchester Plastic Challenge & Keeping Manchester Tidy ♻️ Meeting point: Hough End Playing Fields Main litter pick: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Proud to nominate my friend and Mancunian colleague Lucy Powell for Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

📢 The GMP Scambusters team are running another awareness session on Tues 16 Sept, 11.30am–12.15pm at St Chad’s Community Hall, Mauldeth Rd (M20 4NH). Learn how to spot and avoid scams — all welcome.

📢 A national test of the Emergency Alerts system will take place this Sunday (07 September) at 3pm. Phones and tablets may sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action. Find out more at www.gov.uk/alerts

I held a street surgery in Chorlton Park with the local Labour Councillors last week. Thank you to everyone who stopped to share their views – it’s always important to hear directly about the issues that matter locally.

📢 A national test of the Emergency Alerts system will take place on Sunday 7 September at 3pm. Phones and tablets may sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action. Find out more at www.gov.uk/alerts