Help shape my priorities for 2026. 👇 As we enter the new year, I am reviewing my commitments as your MP. I want to ensure my goals for the year ahead — both locally and nationally — reflect the issues that matter most to constituents. Let me know what you’d like me to prioritise this year.

✅ Before we head into the new year, here’s a quick look at what I’ve been working on in 2025:

🚍 From March 2026, older and disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel FREE at any time on Bee Network buses — with the 9.30am restriction permanently removed. Alongside this, the Bee Network is committed to keeping the £2 single bus fare and freezing all fares until the end of 2026.

It was great to visit and help out at Compassion in Action, who do incredible work supporting our community. From presents for local families to essential food hampers, and fuel vouchers donated by the local authority, this support is making a real difference to those who need it most. 👏

As the coldest months of the year settle in and Christmas fast approaches, for many, the reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever. I welcome the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness, informed by lived experience and frontline workers to ensure support is targeted and effective.

I often hear residents raise concerns about the condition of our local roads. That’s why I welcome the government’s decision to invest in road maintenance. 🔧 This funding will fix potholes and make sure the roads most in need of repair are prioritised across Leigh and Atherton. 🏡

I’m delighted to share that Atherton will benefit from a share of £1.5 million through the Pride in Place Impact Fund. This funding will aim to deliver visible improvements to our community – from revitalising public spaces and high streets to enhancing community facilities. 💚

Employment Rights Bill has officially passed Parliament and will soon become law🎉 This legislation will deliver: ✅ Fairer sick pay ✅ Increasing protections around zero-hour contracts ✅ Safeguards against unfair dismissal ✅ Expanding parental leave ✅ Stronger redundancy rules

Through my work with local schools, leading the APPG on ADHD, and ongoing discussions with the Minister for School Standards, I’ve been clear that classrooms must be inclusive for every child. That’s why the funding to improve SEND support in schools is a welcome step forward. 📚 💙

📢 Have Your Say on the Future of Transport in Greater Manchester! Share your views to help shape a transport network that better connects Leigh and Atherton to jobs, opportunities, homes, and vital services including healthcare and education. Get involved here: www.gmconsult.org/transport/tr...

I hear from residents far too often about buses not turning up, routes being limited, and the cost of travel being too high. 🚌 That’s why it’s so encouraging to see over £133 million being invested in better bus services across Greater Manchester.💚

School visits are always one of the best parts of this job 👩‍🏫✨. I loved hearing about the brilliant work happening in classrooms and I’ve listened closely to what more we can do for our area, especially the challenges schools are facing. I’ll continue to support our schools in any way I can 💙.

It’s Save the Children’s #ChristmasJumperDay! 🎄 Today, I’m wearing my festive knit to support @savechildrenuk.bsky.social in bringing joy and vital support to children who need it most this Christmas.

Labour is at its best when we are clear about whose side we are on, and in whose interests we serve, when our values shine through. I want us to be clear that our objective is to lift children out of poverty and that will mean we need to lift the 2 child benefit cap www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

We spoke with MPs about strengthening the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill so it shifts real power to communities. Thanks to @joplatt.bsky.social @johnmilnehorsham.bsky.social @patrickhurley.bsky.social @rozsavage.bsky.social @sadikal-hassanmp.bsky.social for backing community power!

I was proud to nominate Lucy, and I’m delighted to see her clear this first stage. Lucy has a rare gift for uniting people across the party and ensuring every voice is valued – precisely the kind of leadership both our movement and the country need right now.

This morning we had a productive meeting with @joplatt.bsky.social MP, Chair of the APPG on Long Covid to discuss the specific concerns of #children and #youngpeople living with #LongCovid. We look forward to progressing ideas to ensure the voices of young people with LC are heard. #YoungVoices

Following the appalling online racism and misogyny directed at Jess Carter over the weekend, I am pleased to join 91 MPs in signing a letter urging major social media companies to take serious action against these vile attacks on their platforms. This abuse must not be tolerated.

The Final Delivery Plan on ME/CFS has been published today! 🎉 A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen, your relentless advocacy and dedication have led us to this long-overdue breakthrough for the ME community.

To mark 97 years since women won equal voting rights with men, I joined female MPs for a commemorative photocall—organised by @centenaryaction.bsky.social Each MP received a personalised sash by @RemakeNewport, celebrating our place in the history of #WomenInParliament. 💜🤍💚

Today, the Assisted Dying Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons—the final stage of debate in the Commons. I voted in support of the Bill. Read my full statement below:

Honoured to host the launch of the Social Mobility Alliance in Parliament on Social Mobility Day. We need to break down barriers to opportunity and smash the class ceiling once and for all 📢 💥🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Read more about the Alliance here: www.socialmobility.org.uk

This week, I had a productive meeting with the Minister for Local Transport, following the Government’s funding announcement for transport in Greater Manchester. This investment is a huge win, but there’s still more work to do for the people of Leigh and Atherton.

To mark Global MND Awareness Day next month, I’m honoured to sponsor the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s parliamentary event. The focus is the ‘Hidden Realities of MND’. I know all too well the profound effects this brutal disease has on individuals and their families.

1/2. We asked one of the new APPG on #LongCovid Members why they joined: “I have met constituents whose lives have been radically changed by long-term impacts of Covid-19. It is vitally important they are not forgotten…” - James Naish MP Is your MP a Member? Link below⬇️ #APPGLongCovid

"I’m so proud of the amazing sense of community we’ve got in Leigh and Atherton. Over the years, I’ve seen time and again how people pull together when things get tough" 💬 @joplatt.bsky.social‬

Trust in national politics is broken. But pride in community is strong, and people want more say over what happens where they live. Our new report with @hopenothate.org.uk makes the case: If we want to change how people feel about politics, we have to start where hope still exists.

I’m Proud to be a Dementia Research Champion, working with Alzheimer's Research UK and am committed to standing up for 1,422 the people in Leigh and Atherton living with dementia and supporting vital research for a cure. #ForACure #DementiaResearch

Show your support for Leigh Market & share your photos & recommendations as part of this year’s Love Your Local Market campaign, which runs until Sat 31st May 2025. This weekend will see the return of the popular Elton Wrong performing at Leigh Market on Sat 24 May, between 11am-3pm. #LYLM2025

The BSL during Finland was sensational #Eurovision

Yesterday, I hosted a joint meeting with the APPG on ME & Long Covid APPG. I'm extremely thankful to the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms MP, for attending the meeting to listen & respond to the these communities' concerns on the Gov's welfare reforms

Social workers across Leigh and Atherton make a real difference to people’s lives every day, often without recognition. If you know an outstanding social worker, please consider nominating them before the deadline on 27 May 👉 www.socialworkawards.com/award-entry/...

To mark #WorldMaternalMentalHealthDay, I joined the Maternal Mental Health Alliance to highlight the need for better perinatal mental health support. With 1 in 4 women facing mental health issues during or after pregnancy, we must ensure timely and adequate care across the UK.

On #WorldMEDay, I stand with everyone living with ME. This year’s focus on busting harmful myths is so important. As Chair of the APPG on ME and a long-time advocate, I'm committed to pushing for better care, stronger support, and the research needed to create lasting change.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of dropping into the annual open day at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club. It’s genuinely one of the best assets we have in the constituency, and after a busy day of visits, nothing hit the spot quite like a builder’s brew and a slice of cake.

Plans for a new Travel Hub in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, include 99 extra spaces, EV chargers, better access, lighting, and CCTV. Backed by @andyburnham.bsky.social and @joplatt.bsky.social, it aims to boost public transport use. Work starts in early 2026. news.tfgm.com/press-releas...

Well done Tyldesley on another successful music festival that saw the finest musicians in packed out bars and clubs. The amount of people on the high street is a sight to behold 🥰 Well done to all involved, For Tyldesley and everyone else that made it happen!

The residents of Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Lowton and Golborne are sick of our streets being plagued by fly-tipping and it's a disgrace that the previous government did nothing to tackle it. It’s gone unpunished for far too long.

This government's accelerated rollout of the NHS App is making a difference. Since July, it's: 🏥 Prevented 1.5 million missed hospital appointments 🏥 Saved 5.7 million NHS staff hours 🏥 Now used by 87% of hospitals – up nearly 20% 📰 All the details: www.gov.uk/government/n...

On Workers' Memorial Day, we remember all those who have lost their lives to work-related illness or injury. A key to keeping people safe at work is a strong, organised union in every workplace. #IWMD25

CONSTITUENCY: I had a productive meeting with @wigancouncil.bsky.social, United Utilities & @joplatt.bsky.social to discuss ongoing sewage and water pressure issues in Tyldesley & Mosley Common. I’m continuing to meet with the Council & United Utilities to find proper solutions.

Happy St George's Day.

We enjoyed welcoming @joplatt.bsky.social to Belong Atherton to meet residents and learn more about #integratedretirementcommunities!

As Lizzy illustrates so powerfully, PIP is vital for so many #pwME #pwLC. With so much concern at proposed welfare reforms, it’s been good to start work with @joplatt.bsky.social and @actionforme.bsky.social to better understand issues, and how to mitigate, with joint APPG ME/LC meeting next week.

I am proud to support my local independent record store Sticky Black Tarmac at Leigh Spinners Mill in Leigh and Atherton on Record Store Day, celebrating all they do for our local economy to help keep music, culture and community alive! #RSD25 @recordstoreday. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...

Creativity and culture is one way of regenerating our high streets - and it’s already happening 👇

Nice piece by @joplatt.bsky.social making the case for community spaces and thriving high streets being synonymous with growth people feel.

Jo Platt MP will join us on 12 May, to discuss the future of #ActiveLives and how we can all contribute to a healthier, happier future. Hear from @joplatt.bsky.social and other advocates working to create healthier, more active communities. Tickets: buff.ly/32Dbvcw #GMMovingConference2025

The record shop revival shows how growth can mean something to communities ✍️ @joplatt.bsky.social

Sending this to show my support for Rebecca, her son and @blisscharity.bsky.social the wonderful charity that supported the family through a challenging time. 1 in 7 babies born in the UK require neonatal care and Bliss helps support babies to ensure they have the best chance of survival.