• What have you learned from 2024 that you're bringing into 2025?

2024 was a very busy year with the General Election. I have learned to make the most of the time I have as your Member of Parliament. As always, I have learned to cherish and protect what we have, especially family and friends. 

• What was your biggest highlight of the past year?

Following the election, it was a privilege and honour to be re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere. It has been a deep honour to represent the constituency for the past ten years. I have heard my constituents' concerns and will never take your support for granted. I can assure you that I will continue to work for the best interests of our community.

It was also a very proud moment to receive a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Honour in July’s Dissolution Honours. In November Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, hosted my investiture and presented me with my award at Windsor Castle. It was a very special day for me and my family.

• Come the end of this year, what will you hope to have achieved?

Bushey

Campaigning for improved local medical facilities and hospitals serving Bushey remains one of my top priorities. Having worked closely with the local NHS as MP for Hertsmere, I know how important its services and improving its services are to the local community.

The redevelopment of Watford General Hospital is a major part of this. The site will provide much needed services for our community in one place locally. It will also be crucial in delivering state-of-the-art facilities that they deserve.

I will continue to push the national government to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to serve our growing community.

Radlett

I have campaigned tirelessly as Hertsmere’s MP to secure vital upgrades to our local transport services. Like many residents, I have long been frustrated by the poor accessibility at Radlett Station.

I have nominated Radlett Station for Access for All Funding multiple times, including last year. This funding is used to create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform at stations across the UK.

Since the election, I have asked the current government about the future of the funding and improvements to Radlett Station. They have not been forthcoming with an answer. However, I hope we will get clarity on its future in order to improve accessibility at Radlett Station. I will continue to push the government to ensure we have the appropriate infrastructure in place to serve our community.

• What are you most excited about going into the new year?

Following the election, I now have more time on my hands that I am looking forward to spending with my family.

This, of course, also means I have more time to serve the good people of Hertsmere, including those in Bushey and Radlett.

I look forward to continuing my local visits to schools, synagogues, community groups, charities, pubs, businesses and more. Over the election period, it was a pleasure meeting so many of you out and about across the constituency and I look forward to being out and about to see you all in the near future.

• What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?

I continue to have deep concerns about the burden being put on our green open spaces by development pressure.

Now the Labour government have announced massive changes to planning laws through revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which includes reinstating and massively increasing top-down mandatory housing targets and the fig leaf policy of redesignating large chunks of Green Belt as grey belt.

Almost all of Hertsmere’s undeveloped land is Green Belt, these changes could mean massive new development, an expansion of London sprawl and a change in the character of the area forever. I will continue to fight tooth and nail on behalf of residents to ensure our precious Green Belt is protected.

I will also be continuing my work on supporting our diverse community, improving public transport and helping to secure investment in local infrastructure.