When I became an MP in December 2019, I made a long list of resolutions under ‘My Plan for the Workington Constituency’. Among the priorities were improvements to education and infrastructure as well as tackling crime, supporting the NHS, creating jobs, and revitalising our town centres.
As New Years resolutions go, it was ambitious – and deliberately so.
It was the American actor James Woods who said: “If you strive for the moon, maybe you'll get over the fence”! But we have done much more than get over the fence – a fence no-one could ever claim I’ve sat on! I pride myself on being the voice of my constituents, no matter who it might upset. I have never been afraid to ‘speak truth to power’.
A lot has achieved nationally and locally despite all that has happened in four years - a global pandemic followed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and the international effects, particularly in energy markets.
Nationally, we ‘got Brexit done’, taking back our freedom and sovereignty. This was not only a government pledge, but something for which I campaigned for over many years.
More than £1bn of public and private sector investment has flooded into the Workington Constituency since my election in 2019. The area I am proud to represent has never had a higher profile.
The Workington Town Deal includes £23.1 million of Government funding for projects including a new sports village, and unlocking land and private sector funding for development in the town centre and at Oldside and the Port of Workington.
This will form a new and thriving hub for businesses, driving growth and jobs. Again, a key part of my plan to revitalise town centres, support businesses and improve digital infrastructure.
We have secured a new £15m Community Diagnostic Centre for Workington, alongside major public realm improvements to better connect the town centre.
The town has also received £10m Workington Gateway Project through the Levelling Up Fund which will help improve access between the A66, A595 and A596 – fixing the longstanding problems at Ramsay Brow and Hall Brow. I have been campaigning for these works since before I became an MP.
In Maryport, we are seeing the result of £11.5 million from the Future High Street Fund. Work, including the transformation Christ Church into a museum and visitor attraction.
A coastal boardwalk has been created, with improvements to the Wave Centre and a splash park forming part of the revised plans following the council’s devastating cancellation of a new fully-funded swimming pool.
Anti-social behaviour is down thanks in no small part to efforts by a Conservative Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner and we now have more police officers on the beat in Cumbria than ever before. Prior to my election, I set out how I would work with the PCC and other Cumbrian MPs to ensure that investment in our Police.
Cumbria is one of the first areas to benefit from the multi-million pound Project Gigabit project following representations I made on behalf of my rural constituents.
The Network North announcement will see a £36-billion package of transport infrastructure upgrades rolled out across the region.
The plans include the upgrading of the Energy Coast Line, the benefit of passengers and the wider economy – something I have been fighting for since I was Deputy Leader of Allerdale Borough Council and Boris Johnson funded the preparation of the business case..
Work is well underway to deliver £40 million investment of phase 2 of the West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) redevelopment. This will bring a massive upgrade or both patients and staff, retaining bed capacity and services. This is on top of the £90m investment from phase one.
I have been vocal in my support for the job-creating £169m Woodhouse Colliery project – fighting for jobs and growth just as I said I would.
I have lobbied Government for a full rebuild of Cockermouth School – and these works have now been agreed. School funding is at its highest ever – plus 10 per cent in real terms in the Workington constituency since 2019.
My calls to support local bus services has also been heard: Cumberland Council will be among the 64 local authorities across England to benefit from an £80 million Government funding package delivered to improve and protect bus services and to keep fares low.
To help ensure my constituents have access to cash and financial advice, I requested a banking hub for Maryport. I am pleased to report that this has now opened – and is proving to be a real community asset. It adds to the vibrancy of the town and provides a much-needed lifeline following some recent branch closures.
Not a day goes by where I don't think of how fortunate I am to represent such a great place and great people.
Since December 2019, I've worked hard day-in-day-out, not only for those who voted for me but for everyone in the Workington Constituency, no matter their political beliefs.
My New Year’s resolution is to continue delivering for the people I have been elected to serve.
