Callum’s Catch Up 17.12.24
My last catch up in 2024
This week’s catch up will be my last before Christmas, and what a year it’s been! Thank you to all who supported my campaign, generously shared local knowledge and made me feel welcome in every corner of our patch. I don’t ever take for granted what a privilege it is to represent Buckingham, Bletchley, Tattenhoe, Winslow and the many villages in between; and I will always do my best to serve our local area.
Nothing ever really quite prepares you for life as a Member of Parliament, and I’d like to thank everyone for being patient whilst I’ve been establishing my office and team. We’re up and running now, and I’m very excited for what the next year holds.
We’ve already made a lot of progress, and I left our all-staff meeting on Friday (see festive picture below) feeling galvanised about the future and what we can achieve locally.
Continuing the positivity, I’d like to give a huge well done to all the staff members and Councillors responsible for the strong progress made by Milton Keynes City Council’s Children’s Services Department.
In a report published today by Ofsted, Inspectors found strong progress had been made since their last visit. Staffing has increased in frontline care, new specialised teams have been established, and more investment has enabled positive change for our city’s children. It’s the department’s best-ever inspection, and I’m proud of the strides our Labour-led City Council is taking to improve people’s lives.
I hope you have a restful festive period. The team and I will still be working hard up until Christmas, but will be taking some time off over the bank holidays.
PS: I know for many people Christmas can be a difficult time. If you need support with your mental health over the next few weeks, do check out Mind’s list of useful contacts.
Local visits
Elsewhere in the constituency this week I:
Held a surgery in Bletchley to speak with constituents about local and national issues affecting them.
Joined my fellow MPs Chris Curtis and Emily Darlington at a Veterans Breakfast (pictured). It was an honour to meet so many individuals who have served our country with distinction.
Spoke with Community Impact Bucks about their work to support local charities.
Had the pleasure of watching Buckingham’s Christmas parade, and caught up with lots of amazing local charities such as Retina UK and Alec’s Angels.
In Westminster
Back in Westminster I:
Asked the Minister for Industry what steps are being taken to ensure that Buckingham and Bletchley can attract more private investment.
Took part in a roundtable on the role of venture capital in British industrial strategy.
Attended the All Party Parliamentary Group for Private Capital.
As many of you will know, I have a background in finance and am keen to use the knowledge I gained in my previous career to help kickstart the British economy.
