“The need to challenge prejudice and bring communities together” (Wigan Today) 25 Jun 2025 I’m proud to represent the diverse, unique and inclusive community of Leigh and Atherton, where…
“Tackling HMOs and getting the homes we need” (Wigan Today) 17 Jun 2025 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) pose significant challenges to community cohesion and the sustainability of…
“Breaking down barriers to opportunity in the creative sector for young people” (Wigan Today) 27 May 2025 Too many children and young people – especially those who are neurodiverse, have special educational…
We must not overlook children with SEN (Leigh Journal) 16 May 2025 There are many barriers facing neurodiverse children and young people in accessing the support they…
Supporting small businesses (Leigh Journal) 24 Apr 2025 In my role as Chair of the Labour MPs group on local growth funding, the…
The record shop revival shows how growth can mean something to communities (The House) 09 Apr 2025 Record Store Day, taking place this Saturday, brings the high street to life and shows…
“Getting growth to where it is most needed” (Wigan Today) 09 Apr 2025 Last week, I spoke in an important Westminster Hall Debate on reviewing the Green Book…
My Work on the Crime and Policing Bill (Leigh Journal) 03 Apr 2025 Over the next 10 weeks, I’ll be playing an active role in Parliament as part…
“Unleashing the true potential of our community” (Wigan Today) 25 Mar 2025 Leigh is one of 75 places across the UK that will each receive up to…
Marking International Women’s Day (Leigh Journal) 13 Mar 2025 Young people are often portrayed as being permanently fixated on their electronic devices. My conversations…
“The importance of giving young people a seat at the table” (Wigan Today) 04 Mar 2025 One of the joys of being an MP is getting to meeting children and young…
“Why I’m focused on revitalising our high streets” (Leigh Journal) 20 Feb 2025 As the chair of the Labour MPs group on local growth funding, I work with…
“Improving local transport and connectivity” (Wigan Today) 11 Feb 2025 The state of our roads and transport systems, originally designed around our factories and mills,…
“Together we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead” (Leigh Journal) 12 Jan 2025 I had planned for my first column of 2025 to be a chance to wish…
“Happy New Year 2025, here’s a recap of what Labour in Government achieved in 6 months” (Wigan Today) 31 Dec 2024 As we head into 2025, it will be six months since Labour was elected to…
“Improving support for children and young people with SEND” (Wigan Today) 10 Dec 2024 Last week, I spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate about the pressures facing families and…
“We’re delivering on our promises” (Wigan Today) 20 Nov 2024 I am immensely proud to support the recent Budget announcement – a truly historic moment,…
“A budget that delivers for the country” (Leigh Journal) 07 Nov 2024 The work of the last few weeks has seen the Government deliver its first budget…
“Working hard for a better future” (Wigan Today) 29 Oct 2024 I wanted to take a moment to share some updates on the progress we’ve made…
“Delivering on our commitments and announcements from conference” (Leigh Journal) 10 Oct 2024 The very nature of being a Member of Parliament requires me to spend much of…
I’m struck by how much Parliament has changed since I lost my seat (The House) 26 Sep 2024 Thursday, 12 December 2019. It’s a date that will always stick in my mind –…