By Isle of Wight Observer
I wrote my first column as MP at the height of summer, when the Island was a flurry with tourists and locals alike, enjoying everything the Island has to offer. Now the school holidays and recess are over, it’s Westminster that’s a hive of activity.
Parliament’s a funny place. You can’t help but be in awe of it – it’s the history, the majesty, the scale. The fact – it’s like a real Hogwarts. MPs and their staff (many working in Westminster for the first time) can be seen striding around with purpose…but are clearly as lost as the rest of us newbies.
But it’s a workplace all the same. And, as MPs, we’re all here because we’ve been elected to get on with a job. Mine is to champion the Island in any and every way I can – raising local issues on a national platform. That task’s been made a little easier this week as I finally got the keys to my Parliamentary office (only two months on from being elected). Although on unlocking the door for the first time on Wednesday the previous occupant’s belongings were still in crates waiting to be removed, the desk drawers were still full and there was no IT equipment in place. But at least I’ve gone from just operating with a laptop from a rucksack.
Now you may think this column is written in jest, but I assure you it isn’t. I led a campaign which promised to be open and to keep constituents informed. The realities (and quirks) of the British political system have taken even me by surprise. Why MPs would want to keep hold of their London offices two months after losing their seat is beyond me. But it does have a knock-on effect. So I want constituents to be assured I’m working my way through correspondence, but I’m prioritising urgent casework, and local issues. For example, I’ve already made my position and opposition to the proposed CO2 pipeline clear. And now parliament’s back in session, I’ll use my position here to champion Isle of Wight West on a national platform.