Since being elected, I’ve been working with Medway Council, Kent Police, and the Environment Agency to tackle fly-tipping at Brambletree Wharf. The enforcement notice has expired, but the site remains uncleared. I’ll keep fighting to ensure it’s restored - not left as a blight on our landscape.

Reform’s chaotic leadership of Kent County Council is putting the Kent & Medway Fire Authority at risk. Suspensions and defections mean vital plans can’t be approved - threatening fire safety. I’ve written to the KCC Leader demanding urgent action to protect local residents. 📄 Full letter below 👇

Grateful to lead an Industry Forum roundtable on how UK pension funds can help finance major infrastructure—from new rail lines to the Lower Thames Crossing. Unlocking upfront investment could accelerate growth and deliver long-term benefits. #Infrastructure #Investment

KentOnline’s Blue Badge Battle campaign is shortlisted for the 2025 ‘Making a Difference Award’. I'm proud to support this push for stronger protections for disabled drivers in Kent and Medway. 🗳️ Voting is open now - support the campaign here:

I was honoured to attend local Remembrance services over the last few days – from the early Sunday ceremony at the Naval Memorial in Great Lines Park, to the service and wreath-laying at Rochester Cathedral, and the Armistice Day service at Chatham Historic Dockyard today. Lest We Forget.

At the eleventh hour this morning, we remember the fallen and reflect on the enduring importance of peace and unity. Today marks the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War – a moment to honour the sacrifices of service personnel.

💡Chaired another powerful evidence session in our year-long inquiry into tackling the root causes of young people becoming NEET. Heard from Rosie Ginday, Eddie Playfair, Dr Peter Wilson and others working to create real opportunities.

Today we pause to honour all those who served and sacrificed for our country. We will remember them. I look forward to sharing this important time of reflection and remembrance with communities across Rochester and Strood later today.

🚓 Great to meet Kent Police’s PC Jess Walton at her monthly police surgery in Borstal to discuss local policing issues. Community policing is so important, and it’s reassuring to see officers like Jess doing such vital work in Borstal and across Rochester and Strood.

Supporting a Strood family after a loved one’s death in India. They’ve had few answers answers or support from the Foreign Office. So I’ve asked to meet Ministers to push for change and better protections for families in similar situations.

🌱 Green Careers Week is a powerful reminder that green skills are the future of our economy and communities. Investing in these skills helps us meet Net Zero goals and protect the planet—while unlocking growth, innovation, and decent jobs. (1/2)

🚜 Great to meet with local NFU representatives and three fourth-generation farmers at Church Farm last week. Family farms are an integral part of Rochester and Strood’s rural communities, and it was a pleasure to discuss how I can support them - both locally and in Parliament.

Spoke in Parliament about improving access to training in prisons. Too often, short sentences or transfers mean courses go unfinished. We must rethink provision at places like HMP Rochester - skills and jobs reduce reoffending. 📖 Read my full contribution here:

🌱 £50m investment into Rochester and Strood’s green economy! Syntech Biofuel will expand its Kingsnorth site, converting waste oil into low-carbon fuel for projects like the Lower Thames Crossing. A big win for green jobs and innovation. (1/2)

🏡 The Renters’ Rights Act is now law - ending bidding wars, no-fault evictions, and fixed-term contracts. It caps rent in advance at one month and creates rolling tenancies by default. I’m proud to have voted for this law to protect over 7,600 renters in Rochester and Strood.

Wishing those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji a reflective and joyful day across Rochester and Strood.

This past week, I’ve focused on listening to residents and pushing for change - both locally and in Parliament. You can learn more in last week’s round-up:

👥💼 Great to visit Chatham Jobcentre with Tris Osborne MP to learn how staff are supporting local job seekers and working with businesses to create opportunities. Especially encouraged by the Ex-Offender Team’s work helping people into stable jobs and reducing reoffending.

Spoke in Parliament on the Government’s new report on post-16 education. With too many young people NEET, I asked what steps will support colleges like North Kent and MidKent to ensure enough places match aspirations and deliver the jobs our communities need.

🔧Another productive meeting with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith! We discussed how to boost apprenticeship completions and support SMEs across Rochester and Strood to grow, access contracts, and benefit from new construction skills opportunities at North Kent and MidKent Colleges.

Earlier this year, I hosted a coffee morning to discuss crime on Chatham High Street. Since then, I’ve worked with Kent Police and others to secure resources. Over 1,000 hours of police time and 120+ arrests between June and August show real progress. 📖 Read more here: buff.ly/Wl5aZVT

Had a great evening sponsoring the ABI’s 40th Anniversary celebration in Parliament. A chance to reflect on my Bank of England experience and current APPG work - and discuss the vital role of insurers, MPs, and Government in supporting consumers and growing the economy.

📢 Campaign win: After lobbying ministers and raising the issue in Westminster, I’m proud to confirm long-term funding for children’s hospices - including Demelza House, the closest for Rochester and Strood. £26m now confirmed annually through to 2028/29.

On this day, the National Minimum Wage Act was passed by a Labour Government - introducing a legal minimum for workers’ pay and protecting millions from exploitation. Nearly 30 years later, it continues to shape fairness in our economy. Supporting workers remains at the heart of Labour values.

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber, following its bombing during the Second World War. It’s a real privilege to work in such an important and historic symbol of our democracy, advocating for the residents of Rochester and Strood.

🚆 Big step forward for international trains in Kent! The Office of Rail and Road has opened High Speed One to new providers. I’ve long called for Eurostar to restart services from Ebbsfleet and Ashford - this move opens the door for others to do just that. 🔗 More info: buff.ly/C2wtTl1

Wonderful to speak at the 2025 Medway Death Café Conference. Grateful for the conversations with residents, community leaders, and grief experts about the importance of support networks and safe spaces for those navigating loss. More info below 👇

🏗️ Fantastic to welcome over 50 council leaders, planners, and innovators to Rochester for the Open Digital Planning Camp. This programme is a strategic upgrade - key to accelerating housebuilding, unlocking growth, and preparing for AI in public services.

Great to chair another APPG session, with Phil Smith CBE, Chair of Skills England, on reforming the apprenticeship levy to support small employers and improve collaboration across Parliament, industry, and education. Grateful to all who contributed to a powerful discussion.

Another busy week in Rochester and Strood - and Westminster, from pushing for investment in construction skills to discussing justice reform and NHS services with local leaders. Here are some highlights in this weeks round-up:

Great to attend the Hospice Care Week event in Parliament to support the vital work hospices and carers do. I’ve called for increased support for local hospices like Demelza House and the Wisdom Hospice to ensure they can continue delivering compassionate care.

Great to have chaired APPG on the launch of 'Boosting Britain’s High Streets' from the Policy Liaison Group. Grateful to our expert panel for a thoughtful discussion. Excited to bring ideas to Rochester and Strood to make our high streets better places to work, shop, and socialise. More info 👇

🌹 Congratulations to Lucy Powell on her election as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Proud to have backed her alongside Rochester and Strood Labour members. Wishing her every success in this vital role within the Labour movement!

Great to be at Ascend Coworking in the Pentagon in Chatham for my constituency surgery. I hold monthly surgeries across Rochester and Strood—including parts of Chatham. Find out where I’ll be next and stay updated on my work here: buff.ly/vJws2SG

📢 My newest article for ‘Local Authority’ is out now! In it, I explore the steps we’re taking to boost skills locally, the investment in Chatham High Street in my constituency, and the recent wave of funding for grassroots sport across Rochester and Strood. 👉 Full article here:

Great to meet Deputy PM David Lammy at Chatham Probation Office in my constituency today. We had a wide-ranging discussion with the team about local challenges and the positive impact of new AI transcription tools freeing up officers’ time for more face-to-face support. Thank you to all involved.

📢 Medway will receive £530k to tackle homelessness and support families this winter. This is part of an £84m national boost to prevent rough sleeping, help families at risk, and fund local charities and faith groups. Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and a home. Learn more here: buff.ly/PpCVgo4

🎓 Honoured to speak again at Rochester Cathedral for the Kent & Medway Apprentice Graduation Ceremony. Over 200 apprentices celebrated - their skills will shape our economy and workforce. Vocational learning is vital. Congratulations to all who graduated!

Great to be back in Parliament after the Conference break. Here are some of my highlights from last week:

Proud to have attended on Saturday - it was inspiring to see Rochester and Strood come together to stand against the far-right and put unity ahead of division. 📰 Full story here: buff.ly/pQ4rcOR

Thank you to Ruskin College for hosting this year’s Lifelong Learning Conference. Great to speak about the APPG’s work on skills and careers, and how we can make education accessible for all ages - tackling barriers and opening up opportunities. Inspiring discussions all day!

October marks Black History Month - a time to celebrate the achievements of the Black community and reflect on the struggles for justice, equality, and representation in our communities and across our country.

📚 Big news for families! 2,000 more primary schools will open free breakfast clubs—saving families up to £200 per child and giving kids a calm start to the day. Every state primary will also get a dedicated library space by the end of this Parliament. Removing barriers to opportunity.

Honoured to attend and support this year’s memorial service for the Royal Engineers at Rochester Cathedral, led by the Chief Royal Engineer and the Dean of the Cathedral. A moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed, and a reminder of why I’ll always stand by our local military community.

💷 A local NHS retiree waited nearly nine months for his first state pension payment. After contacting me, I wrote to the DWP—and he finally received his payment, plus the backdated months. No one should have to fight for what they’re rightly owed.

💡Chaired the first session of our inquiry, Earning or Learning: A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction. We explored mental health, training, and education access - vital for young people’s futures and our economy. Grateful to all contributors. 🔗 Find out more about the inquiry here: buff.ly/8GBwQNI