As you may know, in June I made the decision to resign from my position as Chairman of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio.

While this was a very difficult decision for me to take, it is now with a renewed focus and vigour that I can campaign for the priorities of the people of Hertsmere as a backbench MP.

Many of you continue to contact me regarding the threat to the borough’s green spaces from excessive development. As I have set out many times before, protecting our beautiful surroundings is one of my key priorities for the area. It is vital that, following the council’s decision to shelve their draft Local Plan, they are able to put in place a reasonable plan for development in the borough which recognises the pressure on our local countryside and respects the views of existing residents.

I will be raising these points with ministers and emphasising again the importance of reasonable housing targets which allow the preservation of what makes our area special. This is alongside my ongoing campaigns to protect local gems such as Aldenham Reservoir and oppose inappropriate developments such as the proposed Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.

Improving our local transport links is also vitally important. Having made some progress with Thameslink’s commitment to increase the frequency of their services, I continue to monitor this very closely and push for further action. I know how many local residents rely on these services for their daily commute and will be looking for further improvements.

I of course remain committed as well to ensuring that everybody is able to receive the excellent state education I enjoyed, and to engaging with and representing the concerns of our diverse local community.

While I am no longer in government, I will continue to promote Conservative solutions to the issues facing the country. As the economy grapples with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, I will be promoting lower, simpler taxes to encourage the economic growth which will be vital for improving living standards, alongside support for those struggling with the cost of living.

I look forward to engaging with residents across Hertsmere and dedicating my time to promoting their priorities both locally and in Westminster.

Photographs by Lawrence Stone Creative Photography.