Dear Constituent,
It’s been another full week focused on the issues that matter most to people here in our constituency. From school visits and local casework to raising specific concerns in Parliament, my priority remains making sure our part of Surrey and Hampshire isn’t overlooked.
In Farnham, I’ve been working closely with Surrey County Council to press for long-overdue improvements to the A31, particularly around Hickley’s Corner. In Bordon, I joined staff and pupils at Bordon Infant School for a brilliant Sports Day, and returned to Badshot Lea Village Infant School with the councillors responsible for SEND to hear first-hand about the challenges facing children with additional needs.
At my latest advice surgery, I spoke with residents about issues ranging from elderly care to licensing and taxation. These conversations feed directly into the work I do in Westminster - where this week I raised concerns about the state of NHS and social care funding, and challenged ministers on the impact of Labour’s business rate changes on our local pubs, cafes and brewers.
As always, if there’s something I can help with - or if you’d like to book a surgery appointment, either in person or by phone - please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
With every good wish,
ONE YEAR AFTER THE ELECTION
It’s exactly a year since I was elected as the first MP for Farnham and Bordon. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who’s spoken to me, challenged me, or welcomed me into their corner of the constituency over the past 12 months. Representing you in Parliament is a privilege, and I’ve worked hard to repay that trust by showing up, listening carefully, and getting stuck in.
Nationally, it’s been a disappointing year. Labour came to power promising “change” but have delivered very little of substance. We’ve seen tax rises, welfare U-turns, and growing economic uncertainty. Yet there is still no clear plan to fix public services or address the long-term challenges we face. They promised to be a serious government. Instead, we’ve seen a Prime Minister afraid of his own backbenchers and a Chancellor who seems to think growth will return by magic. It’s been frustrating to watch, but I will continue to hold them to account in Parliament and to press for policies that support Surrey and Hampshire, not just swing seats or Labour’s urban heartlands.
Locally, I’ve focused on the priorities residents raised with me during the campaign, from healthcare access to broadband blackspots. We’ve made real progress: improving patient transport in Waverley, establishing the Bordon Taskforce to break the regeneration deadlock, and delivering a constituency-wide survey on mobile and broadband that is already shaping government and industry plans. I’ve raised issues in Parliament, from Haslemere Hospital to The Chase, and met with schools, businesses, and charities across the constituency. One year in, I’m more determined than ever to fight for our area and to keep making the case for a community that too often gets overlooked.
I discussed all of this earlier today on BBC Radio Surrey. You can listen to the full interview using the clip below.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
SECURING A MEETING TO DISCUSS HICKLEY’S CORNER
One of the most frequently raised concerns in Farnham is the A31 - particularly the long-standing problems around Hickley’s Corner. It’s a known pinch point that causes daily delays, increases pollution, and holds back broader improvements to our local transport network. Since being elected, I’ve been working with local partners to push for serious investment in this stretch of road.
Surrey County Council is currently preparing the outline business case for improvements, and I’m pleased to be working closely with the administration as that progresses. I’ve raised the issue in Parliament and secured a commitment from the Minister for the Future of Roads to meet with me once the case is submitted.
While no final decisions can be made at this stage, this is a positive step forward. It’s a real opportunity to ensure that the importance of this scheme is properly recognised by the Government.
NO SUPPORT FOR HOSPITALITY UNDER LABOUR
Over the past year, I’ve spoken to dozens of local pub owners, brewers and hospitality staff - and the message is clear: this year’s Budget hit harder than anything in recent memory. In Farnham, landlords and the British Institute of Innkeeping told me it was worse than COVID for their balance sheets. At least during the pandemic, they had a Government that backed them.
I raised this in Parliament during a debate on support for hospitality. Labour’s decision to slash business rates relief, from 75% under the Conservatives to just 40%, has pushed viable businesses into the red. I highlighted the real-world impact on employers like The Nelson Arms in Farnham, where one of their team, also a paramedic, told me he values the flexibility his zero-hours contract gives him between shifts. Labour claim to support the sector. Their actions say otherwise.
I’ll keep fighting for this industry. Our pubs, restaurants and breweries aren’t just part of the economy - they’re the heart of our towns and villages. From lobbying ministers to chairing local roundtables, I’m making sure the voices of our hospitality workers are heard loud and clear in Westminster.
QUESTIONS AROUND HANDLING OF OUR NHS
I spoke in Parliament this week to challenge how health and social care funding is being used. Ministers talk about record investment - but too little is reaching the frontline. GP surgeries, care homes and hospices are under pressure like never before, while staffing costs at the Department of Health have quietly jumped by over 10% under Labour.
On the Health and Social Care Committee, we’ve heard NHS leaders say inflation and tax hikes are swallowing up any extra funding, leaving nothing to improve care for patients. I pressed ministers on how they plan to fix the workforce crisis, cut waiting lists, and finally deliver the long-promised reform to social care.
The Government still has time to act - but it’s running out fast.
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
By following each link you will be able to see the recent answers I have received from the Government.
Written Answers - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (24 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support residents of rural 1950s properties to use alternative fuels to heat their homes; and if he will take steps to reduce the VAT rate on fuel for those unable to install heat pumps.
Written Answers - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (20 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support people stranded in Tel Aviv.
Written Answers - HM Treasury (23 Jun 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her policies on levels of inflation.
Search for speaker: Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
SEND VISIT TO BADSHOT LEA INFANT SCHOOL
Earlier this year, I met with Headteacher Gemma Ball at Badshot Lea Village Infant School, who shared her deep concerns about the challenges facing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. She asked for my support, and I was pleased to return last week with Cllr Jonathan Hulley and Cllr Clare Curran - the two elected members responsible for SEND in Surrey - alongside senior officers from the County Council.
The SEND team heard directly from staff about the day-to-day pressures they face in supporting children with additional needs. From long waits for assessments to the strain on mainstream classrooms without the right funding or specialist help, it was clear just how committed the school is, and how much more support is needed. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at the school for speaking so openly and honestly.
Both councillors acknowledged the urgency of early intervention and committed to taking this feedback into account as part of the County Council’s ongoing review of SEND services. I’ll continue to work with them to push for the improvements our local schools need, so that every child, whatever their needs, has the chance to thrive.
SPORTS DAY IN BORDON
It was a real pleasure to visit Bordon Infant School for their Sports Day last week. I arrived just in time to catch the final few races - and saw some brilliant efforts from the children - before joining Headteacher Matt Greenhalgh to present certificates and medals to a very proud group of pupils.
The energy and enthusiasm on display were fantastic. It was wonderful to see the whole school community coming together to celebrate sport, teamwork, and the children’s achievements. A big thank you to all the staff for organising such a joyful event and for the warm welcome on the day.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ON FARNHAM TOWN CENTRE WORKS
From late July into the autumn, a new phase of work will begin across Downing Street and West Street as part of the ongoing improvements to Farnham town centre. I know how disruptive roadworks can be, which is why I’ve been working closely with Surrey County Council to ensure the impact on residents and businesses is kept to a minimum - and that information is clearly communicated.
Overnight closures around the Longbridge junction are expected in late July or early August to allow resurfacing and final works. If you normally access Waggon Yard or Central car parks at night, or live on affected streets like Downing Street or Church Lane, please check the council’s guidance and apply for a temporary parking permit if needed.
From 18 August, the upper section of Downing Street will be closed to through-traffic during the day, although access will be maintained for residents, deliveries and emergencies. Waggon Yard will remain open, with new two-way access via the lower part of Downing Street - a permanent change that will make exiting the car park much easier going forward.
Shops will remain open as usual, and I’d encourage everyone to continue supporting our brilliant town centre businesses throughout the works. As ever, if you have any concerns about how the changes affect you, feel free to get in touch with me or the Farnham Infrastructure Programme team.
UPCOMING BRAMSHOTT CONCERT
If you’re looking for a lovely way to spend a summer evening, there’s a chamber orchestra concert taking place at St Mary’s Church in Bramshott at 7pm on Friday 12th July. Set in a beautiful location, the evening promises fantastic music, refreshments, and a real sense of community - with proceeds supporting both St Mary’s and a local charity.
Tickets are £15 and available on the Church website or on the door. I’m always pleased to highlight events like this that bring people together and support good causes, so do consider going along if you're free.
Click here to sign up https://liphook.churchsuite.com/events/vl2cwp8q
CALL FOR CHARITIES
One of the most rewarding parts of being your MP is supporting the brilliant charities and voluntary groups working across our towns and villages. I’m always keen to hear from local organisations - whether you’d like me to visit, help raise awareness, or if you're facing challenges that I might be able to support with. If you’re involved in a local charity doing important work in our community, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK AND SURGERY BREAKDOWN
I held another in-person advice surgery in Bordon this week, where I met with residents to discuss a wide range of issues - including landfill tax, elderly care, gun licensing, and funding for care homes. These face-to-face conversations are always valuable opportunities to hear directly from constituents, and I’ll be following up on each of the concerns raised.
I hold regular surgeries across the constituency and also offer telephone consultations for those with more urgent issues or who are unable to travel. If there’s something you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Alongside this, it’s been a typically full week of casework. I’ve been in contact with Surrey County Council about SEND provision, road safety, and the need to keep pavements clear of overgrown vegetation - especially near schools. I’ve also raised concerns with several Government departments on matters including state pensions, inheritance tax, ambulance delays, and the long waits many people are facing between their driving theory and practical tests.
Whatever the issue, I’ll always do my best to push for fair treatment and practical answers.
