April: local wins and big speeches
April has been another busy and rewarding month, both here in Erewash and in Parliament. From local wins to national debates, I’ve been working hard every day to deliver real results for our community
April has been another busy and rewarding month, both here in Erewash and in Parliament. From local wins to national debates, I’ve been working hard every day to deliver real results for our community. Here’s a look back at everything we’ve been up to.
Celebrating mothers and family
We started the month with a heartfelt celebration of Mother’s Day. It was a pleasure to share a photo with my wonderful mum, Kay, and my sister, and to send good wishes to all families celebrating. Importantly, I also reflected on those for whom Mother’s Day is a harder occasion — whether through loss, longing, or hardship. Family is at the heart of everything we do, and I always want to acknowledge that.
A minimum wage rise for working people
April kicked off with fantastic news: a rise in the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage. Thanks to Labour in government, 280,000 workers in the East Midlands saw their pay packets grow. Wages are now rising faster than inflation, a crucial milestone as we continue our decade-long plan for national renewal. It’s a positive step forward, though there’s still more to do to tackle rising costs elsewhere.
Supporting our local police
I had the pleasure of visiting the Safer Neighbourhoods Team at Long Eaton Police this month. Our local officers do a tremendous job, and we had a productive discussion about the new Crime & Policing Bill, which strengthens powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, illegal off-road bikes, and shoplifting. I made it clear that I’m always available to support them — and visits like this are a great way to stay connected to the needs on the ground.
Grassroots sport and community spirit
I spent a brilliant day supporting Long Eaton Rugby Club for their final match of the season. After some doorstep conversations with residents, it was fantastic to enjoy grassroots rugby at its finest. Although we narrowly missed victory, the passion and community spirit were clear to see. Grassroots sports clubs like Long Eaton RFC are a vital part of community life, and I’ll always champion them.
Putting metrology in the spotlight
As Parliament’s first ever metrologist, I took real pride in speaking on the new Product Regulation & Metrology Bill. It may sound technical, but metrology — the science of measurement — underpins everything from ancient engineering feats to modern British manufacturing. My speech was warmly received across the House, and I hope it brought a bit more public attention to this vital area.
Science, innovation, and steel
Serving on the Science Innovation & Technology Committee means I get involved in some fascinating work — including, this month, interviewing candidates for the head of Innovate UK.
I was also called back to Parliament on a rare Saturday to debate emergency legislation to save the British steel industry. It was a crucial moment, with serious national consequences. Steel is vital not only for our national security but for driving our infrastructure, housing, and economic growth. I’m proud that Labour took swift, decisive action.
Fighting for safer roads
Following countless conversations with residents, I once again pushed Derbyshire County Council to repair the large pothole near the ASDA roundabout in Long Eaton. Our roads should be safe and smooth, and with millions in extra government funding secured, there’s no excuse for leaving potholes to worsen.
I also wrote to Derbyshire Highways about Quarry Hill Road, urging a full resurfacing to secure its long-term future. Proper infrastructure matters, for safety, for efficiency, and for pride in our communities.
Responding to emergencies: the Wards fire in Ilkeston
Mid-month, a major fire broke out at the Wards recycling site in Ilkeston. I was in direct contact with emergency services and the council throughout, offering whatever support was needed. Thankfully, early reports suggested no serious injuries, a testament to the bravery and professionalism of our local fire and police teams.
Campaigning hard for local elections
With local elections just around the corner, the Erewash Labour team and I have been out every weekend, speaking to voters about our plans to fix the foundations of Derbyshire.
I couldn’t be prouder of our local candidates — Linda, James, Josy, George, Joel, Daisy, Dave and Greg — who are standing to deliver real change on roads, schools, care services and more. Unlike the Reform Party, our candidates offer a clear, credible plan to rebuild and strengthen our communities.
A different Easter, but the same values
Easter didn’t go quite to plan for my family, but even with a last-minute freezer roast dinner and chocolate eggs at home, it was a lovely break. I hope everyone across Erewash had a restful and joyful Easter, however you spent it.
Launching Labour’s free breakfast clubs
One of the most exciting projects this month was the launch of Labour’s free breakfast clubs, including one at Chaucer Infants in Ilkeston. 180,000 children nationwide are now benefiting from free breakfasts, easing family budgets and making sure no child starts the day hungry. It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm of local staff and pupils!
Reflecting on St. George’s Day
I marked St. George’s Day by reflecting on what England means to me, and to us here in Erewash. From Ilkeston’s industrial heritage to Long Eaton’s railway legacy, and our beautiful villages and pubs, there’s so much to be proud of. Pride in our country doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws, it means celebrating our communities and striving always to make them better.
A peek behind the scenes in parliament
This month, I also gave a little behind-the-scenes insight into how unpredictable parliamentary debates can be. Sometimes you spend days preparing a speech, only for time to run out before you’re called to speak! It’s all part of the job, and I’m keen to lift the curtain wherever I can, to show the real, sometimes chaotic, workings of democracy.
*Casework: delivering real wins for local people
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping individuals and families who find themselves stuck or struggling. Each week, my team and I work behind the scenes to resolve cases — and I’ve started sharing a few of our wins more publicly. here’s a few from the first few “Wins this week in Erewash”:
Helping a parents’ wellbeing group in Ilkeston;
Securing emergency housing for an elderly resident;
Fighting for better SEND transport for a local family;
Getting a broken boiler fixed for an East Midlands Homes tenant;
After months without heating, Long Eaton Library now has a working boiler and is back to full opening hours;
We helped a resident claim compensation for pothole damage to their car;
I raised questions in Parliament about tackling dangerous dogs after a tragic incident in Sawley;
I began pushing for better adult ADHD services across Derbyshire, which are currently severely lacking;
Securing a child’s wheelchair after they were wrongly removed from the waiting list;
Connecting an Ilkeston pharmacy with a vital needle exchange service;
Helping a family obtain a passport under exceptional circumstances; and
Fighting for long-term repairs to key local roads.
None of this would be possible without my hard-working team, and it’s some of the best work we do — helping people get results when they have nowhere else to turn.
Thank you, Erewash
As always, I want to end by thanking you — the people of Erewash — for putting your trust in me. Whether it’s standing up in Parliament, supporting local communities, or fixing the things that matter most to you, it’s a true honour to serve.
If there’s ever anything I can do to help, or if you have ideas or concerns, please do get in touch. Let’s keep working together to build a better future for everyone.