Stuart writes reflecting at the end of 2024 on the last 5 months since his election on July 4th 2024.
Having grown up in the Marches, I am proud to represent an area that I know so well. I am very grateful to so many great people who helped with my campaign, which saw me elected as the Member of Parliament for South Shropshire in July, especially for the ongoing support of my wife and kids. It was a tough night across the country for the Conservative Party, and the message from the British public was received loud and clear.
I was humbled to take the Oath of Allegiance on the floor of the House of Commons, where I was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for South Shropshire. The sacred text of the Oath is a poignant reminder of the immense privilege of being an MP. I am grateful to fellow residents across South Shropshire for their support and for giving me this opportunity to be our area’s representative in Parliament. I want to make sure that everyone’s voices are heard. We are going to ensure that Shropshire continues to be the best place in the country to live.
In Shropshire
As the newly elected Member of Parliament for South Shropshire, I quickly established a local presence with an office being established in Ludlow, with another in the works at Bridgnorth. I have also recruited a local team to assist with casework and the organisation of events in the constituency. This structure is especially important since it helps me to work in all areas of South Shropshire, which is one of the largest constituencies in the country. It has been great to respond to and follow up with constituency enquiries on every issue conceivable such as accessing pension credit, broadband failures and constituent’s thoughts on foreign policy and the assisted dying debate. Overall, my team and I have dealt with over 3000 cases since my election and received over 7000 emails. My regular newsletter is received by over 2,500 individuals keeping them updated on my work.
I have embarked on a tour of surgeries across the constituency, giving residents a chance to meet me nearer their home and bring issues that are important to them. This can lead to new campaigns and to positive change, for example when I supported ‘John’s Crew’ who are raising the need for brain tumour research after a surgery appointment. Some of these surgeries have been incredibly moving experiences, and I am joining a campaign to improve bereavement support and education after hearing an account from a local constituent. From surgeries to emails, I welcome every opportunity to hear from you.
These are vital times for Shropshire, and my plan sets out how I will champion the needs and aspirations of our community to ensure that it can flourish. My plan is based on my engagement with fellow residents, and you will find an update on my priorities below.
Unleash rural prosperity: In order to unlock South Shropshire’s economic potential, I have met with businesses and large employers in the region such as Bridgnorth Aluminium to discuss the issues that matter to them. I have written to Ministers with their concerns and launched a campaign to address the budget’s impact on the hospitality industry in Ludlow. Businesses need less red tape and lower taxes in order to flourish, which in turn boosts local employment and opportunities.
Enhance public services: Our services are under critical pressure in Shropshire. I got straight to work asking the new Government to commit to the Hospital Transformation Programme and was delighted to receive this confirmation within days of being an MP. With a strong local campaign we successfully prevented the closure of the recycling centres in Craven Arms and Bridgnorth, and by writing to the Royal Mail CEO ensured that the post office services in Clunton and Clunbury remained open. My focus has turned to improving road safety, boosting flooding prevention and support and expanding train services in the constituency.
Champion our farmers: Farmers face immense pressure. I committed to raising their voice in Parliament, and the new Government has made this all the more important. I voiced my opposition to the Family Farm Tax and welcomed many farmers to Parliament during their organised protest. Farmers need to be given certainty to be able to do what they do, and their work is vital for our national security. I am also raising the ongoing issue of rural crime in the constituency with the local Police and Crime Commissioner.
Support local communities: South Shropshire is made up of many special communities. I want to support the people and groups that make these communities so great, so it has been great to meet organisations like the Mayfair Centre in Church Stretton and the Shropshire Youth Association. I was delighted when the Government listened to my calls for the extension of the Household Support Fund- with a further £421 million to be invested in councils in England. I have contacted thousands of constituents to increase take up of Pension Credit after the Government’s regrettable decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance for so many. I am campaigning to support park home owners and secure funding that protects our historic churches.
Protect the countryside: I know how much we cherish the beauty of our countryside in Shropshire. I quickly met with regional water companies to hear about how they are preventing sewage spills and cleaning up our rivers. I launched a campaign to ensure that water companies are consulted before planning permission is granted, to help prevent the system being overloaded and causing flooding. I have raised concerns about the Government’s planning targets for Shropshire, preferring local community-led developments that allows people to stay and afford to buy in the area they call home.
Invest in infrastructure: South Shropshire needs new infrastructure. Many residents got in touch to complain about mobile phone signal near Much Wenlock, and I was able to get a mast fixed to solve the issue. We need more investment in rural connectivity. I am also supporting the plan to build a new hospital in Ludlow, which would greatly improve rural healthcare, raising this repeatedly with Ministers to try and get this done. Other investment I am monitoring includes the Ironbridge development, which I have visited numerous times and continue to support local transport and connectivity.
It has been a busy 5 months in South Shropshire, but given how much we have been able to achieve in this time I look forward to what we can do together in South Shropshire in the year ahead.
In Parliament
Shortly after my election in July, I was humbled to be appointed as interim Opposition Deputy Chief Whip. In this role, I have been responsible for coordinating my party’s contribution to parliamentary business. This has included working with fellow MPs to hold the new government to account, so that it delivers on the priorities of those who have elected us, including in South Shropshire. I was also privileged to be appointed as the Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces. As a veteran, I was honoured to take up this important role on an interim basis. After much consideration, I decided to return to the backbenches in advance of a new leader being announced. I will work relentlessly for the good people of South Shropshire, while being around to support a close member of the family who is battling with a serious illness.
I take a full and active role in Parliament as a champion, campaigner, and contact for people across South Shropshire. On a weekly basis, I table multiple written questions, calling Ministers to account on their action in areas as education, health, and farming. I have also attended debates on key topics and asked questions at oral question time sessions. I have, for example, called on the government to urgently boost spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP and to tackle youth unemployment, which has recently increased in South Shropshire. I also called the Government out on their plans to add VAT to private school education, harm pensioners by removing the Winter Fuel Allowance, and the ‘rural vandalism’ they will cause by imposing inheritance tax on farmland.
Since returning to the backbenches I have been appointed to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an important role in these turbulent times to represent the UK Parliament in collaboration with our allies. I am able to draw on my experience in the defence and security industry as well as at the heart of government to enhance our commitment to global stability.
I will always put representing my constituents in Parliament first, and I am looking forward to continuing to give South Shropshire a strong voice in Parliament over the next year and contributing to the national conversation.
