News from Westminster
Last month I was honoured and humbled to be re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole. Since being first elected in 2015, I have tried to keep local residents at the heart of what I do, and I am touched that people have recognised this by voting for me again.
Overall, it was clearly a mixed result for the country, with the Labour party gaining votes in some areas and the Conservatives gaining in others. However, here in Mid Dorset & North Poole I was heartened to see my majority increase. I was also delighted that once again voter turnout was very high with an increase of 2% from 2015. The number for younger voters was also encouraging and we must do all that we can to keep younger voters engaged and to take their concerns seriously.
Once the election was over, I returned to Westminster for the beginning of Parliament. This can be a rather convoluted process, starting with the election of the Speaker of the House. As I write, we have not yet had the State Opening of Parliament and the Queens’ speech, which signals the formal start of the Parliament. Once that happens, the business of government will continue. This will include the beginning of our Brexit negotiations. My own priorities for our area remain the same, I want to continue to fight for Dorset to receive a fairer share of funding for local services, especially our schools.
Shortly after the election, I attended a Great Get Together event. This was an event inspired by Jo Cox, who was killed on 16 June last year. It was to celebrate all that unites us, bringing people together. However you voted, I am here to serve all my constituents, no matter what political persuasion. Elections can be tough but it is important that we now focus on doing the best job possible for our area and for the country.