Ever wondered what my team get up to?
It’s been another busy week for the team determined to deliver for Leeds South West and Morley.
On Monday, I asked Office Manager Ingrid to hold a thorough casework review with my team to see where we’re up to in our efforts to support constituents with a whole range of issues. I’m pleased to report that, after some structural changes, we have started to make a real dent in the unusually high number of cases I’ve referred to in previous updates. Please don’t be deterred in asking for support and thanks for your patience while we work through the caseload.
On Tuesday, caseworkers Ella and Jade helped me resolve an issue regarding a medical driving licence application for a resident, which had been ongoing for over a year until we stepped in. We’re currently working on a couple of other cases like this one, and the team will take similar measures to ensure the other cases result in the same win.
Throughout the week, I receive requests for assistance on everything from housing applications to disputes over parking fines. While it’s unfortunate that residents have to contact their MP as a last resort, I’m grateful that so many constituents feel that they can come to me for help, because that’s exactly what I’m here for.
I don’t just receive correspondence on local issues, we’re also contacted by constituents who raise concerns over national topics, too. This week, we’ve had emails regarding the Government’s landmark firework consultation, renewable energy and the adult social care system, some of which I’ve responded to already and others that I’ll get back to very soon.
On Wednesday, my Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Guy came to the Morley office; he is usually based in Westminster when Parliament sits. We held some very productive and positive conversations with the team about the upcoming parliamentary year, looking ahead to the immediate challenges on the Representation of the People Bill and the Health Bill, two topics I've been working on throughout summer. They are both due to be debated in the first and second weeks of September, respectively, and I have submitted amendments to both; they are all about tackling dodgy donors and regulating the funeral industry.
On Thursday, Guy met with Communications Officer Kai, to discuss the best way to share the details of my specific parliamentary work with MPs, constituents and the press. Kai also worked closely with Ingrid, to iron out the work we are doing on the most important constituency issues and the best methods to ensure residents know how to contact me for support with them.
On Friday, we said goodbye to our two fantastic work experience students, Louis and Aarya, who have been exposed to every aspect of working in an MP’s office. They met with each member of the team to gain a better understanding of the different roles involved with supporting residents across Leeds South West and Morley. They had a go at drafting written parliamentary questions, presented viable local campaign ideas to improve our community and learned some valuable skills they’ll carry with them.
We also said goodbye to Jade, who had her last day in the office after almost two years as a caseworker. Any residents who have had their concerns dealt with by Jade in the past will know she’s an absolute superstar who did everything in her power to resolve each and every issue. She’s leaving us to throw herself into something completely new, which is a real testament to her drive and determination. Jade will be sorely missed but I wish her the very best of luck in her future endeavours.
I’m lucky to have a team who love serving the people of Leeds South West and Morley as much as I do. They have worked extremely hard over the summer supporting my constituency work, and I'm very grateful for that. There’s only one week remaining of the summer recess, so I’ve squeezed in as many constituency visits, meetings and events into my calendar as possible next week before it’s back to Parliament.
As always, please contact my office if you think we can assist you with anything: