My column in today’s Sunday Mirror - a call to Mancs (and others!) 👇🏻 @politics.mirror.co.uk Please buy a copy of the paper too.

🎬 Share your views on the future of the BBC 👇 Your views will help inform decisions about the BBC’s direction in the years ahead. With four weeks remaining until the consultation closes, responses are invited before 10 March. Respond to the consultation here: dcms.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

🛍️ Our markets are a vital part of our local identity and ecosystem. Markets and hospitality are key to reviving our high streets — that’s why I’ve asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss a national trader’s strategy to secure a strong pipeline for future success. 🤝

UPDATE - I have now received a reply from the Greens apologising for the oversight in using my image and quote without consulting me and giving assurance it won't happen again. That's good enough for me, so I won't be taking any further action beyond writing it all up for my Substack

This is simply untrue. There have been multiple debates on Gaza brought by members of different parties, plus of course Statements and Urgent Questions. Hansard shows the record of all of these - I've spoken in a good few.

High streets fail when the barrier to entry is too high for local talent. We’re fixing the pipeline. Co-operative spaces like Leigh Spinners Mill act as essential incubators, giving small businesses the support they need to find their feet. Hear more from @joplatt.bsky.social

Just a quick note to @greenparty.org.uk and @greenpartyhan.bsky.social - I was not consulted on being quoted on your leaflets and I have not endorsed your campaign (or any campaign in this seat). I think this note, like the bar chart next to it, is misleading and out of context.

Entries are now open for the Small Business Growth Awards 📣 If you run a small business, or know one that deserves recognition, I’d really encourage you to apply. It would be great to see our local businesses celebrated nationally. Entries close 9 February 2026 so get your nominations in ASAP!

The use of Grok AI to generate and distribute sexualised content, including material appearing to involve children, is appalling and unacceptable. Safeguards are failing. Alongside fellow MPs, I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Science and Technology calling for urgent, strong AI regulation.

How is it that a church warden behind an interior design firm originally incorporated in the BVIs & tied to a Kazakh billionaire can make a £200,000 donation to Reform UK? Source of funds not disclosed. Farage has questions to answer. The Electoral Commission must investigate.

There’s been a lot of talk about ADHD being over-diagnosed — but the evidence doesn’t support it. ADHD is under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated. When ADHD goes undiagnosed, it doesn’t disappear. It shows up in our health services, our schools and our criminal justice system. 👇

Only Labour can defeat Reform in Gorton and Denton. A vote for the Greens or any other party risks them getting in. We are a tolerant, proud, progressive city and we don’t want their divisive brand of politics here.

Am amazing two day visit to my old haunt of Manchester and Salford with the Commons Culture Media Sport Select Committee. Visiting the regions best in stop motion animation, the BBC for Newsround, CBeebies and Blue Peter - and bumped into our old friend from Wigan - Hacker T Dog.

The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.

Great to see the Ministry of Defence leaning in to its responsibilities to halve violence against women and girls with this new law for victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking by serving military personnel. www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

This week I spent time with Samaritans to talk about how we can work together to reduce the number of people who die by suicide. I’d encourage everyone to take a moment for a cuppa and a chat with family or friends. A simple conversation can make more of a difference than we sometimes realise. 💙

NATO Article V has been triggered only once: by the US after 9/11. When our ally called, we in the UK didn't hesitate to stand with them. 636 British men & women paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many more living with their injuries today.

Supporting residents across the constituency is always my number one priority.💛 The feedback below reflects the experiences of constituents we’ve been able to support this month and means a great deal to me and my team. If there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Earlier this month, I visited Sei Do Kan Shotokan Karate Club in Howe Bridge and got to see first-hand just how much the club means to everyone involved. 🥋 Founded by international champion and dedicated instructor Billy Higgins, I was proud to highlight his incredible work in Parliament 💪✨

🧡 I’m proud to have put Leigh forward for the Government’s Town of Culture competition. From our rich industrial heritage to our sporting success, creativity and strong sense of community, this town deserves to be seen and celebrated.

ADHD services are at breaking point. Families are waiting too long, costs are soaring, and there is a lack of oversight. As Chair of the APPG on ADHD, I’ll be following the Health Secretary’s Independent Review closely and continuing to push for better access, experiences and outcomes for all.

First door-knock of 2026 in Tyldesley - With Cllr Jess Eastoe and other members. As always, really good to speak with residents on the issues that matter to them.

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