If elected to be your MP it will be my only job. I will work on a number of issues to secure a brighter future for Ashfield such as these topics below....
Health and Social Care
Making the care system more affordable and fair. Families are paying over £1000 a week so their relative can live in a care home, and many carers themselves aren't being paid fairly for the work they do.
I'll work on Labour's plans to make this system work better. Locally we also have issues with accessing the dentist, and chronic problems with referral times for a variety of medical treatments.
The root cause of these issues are complex, however part of my role as MP is to unblock the challenges and guide our government and local health leaders to implement the right solution.
Transport
Pot holes! Whilst not directly a central government responsibility we do have the power to fund the Councils who are responsible, or take a central government approach to resurfacing the roads. Secondly, I will work with the East Midlands Mayor and Transport Secretary to improve our transport links, and advocate the need for all improvements to be truly disability friendly. I also want to tackle a smaller, but incredibly frustrating issue: unfair parking charges! Private parking companies charge obscene sums if you appeal and threaten legal action even when they themselves are in the wrong. I will clamp down on this.
Education
As a former Primary School Governor and Governor of the University of Birmingham I understand there are multiple challenges that need addressing.
In Ashfield, we have schools that simply cannot recruit teachers. As a result, the welfare and development of existing teachers suffers as does the educational experience of the pupils. I will work with teachers and the education community to help address these problems and lobby for increased funding for our schools.
Sustainable Energy
With Labour's sustainable energy plans I believe Ashfield is in the prime location to once again provide energy to the nation. We have the right infrastructure already to support the developments in sustainable energy. Labour's incentives for businesses will help encourage energy companies and start ups to invest in our area. With the right investment and leadership we can make sure we have the local skills in place to fill the jobs that Labour's energy plans bring, and in turn this will help boost our local economy. With a collaborative approach we can seize the economic opportunities that Labour's energy plans bring.
Be a Constituency MP
It's important that residents have access to their MP. That is why I will ensure we have an office and appointments that are accessible. I will regularly speak to businesses, schools, community groups and residents so I can effectively represent them.
Using social media and other methods I will regularly share updates with residents so everyone is informed about how their interests are being represented in Parliament.
And no - I won't take a second job!!!