As Parliament returns this week for the King’s Speech, all eyes will be on how this Labour Government intends to govern, given the growing unrest within its own ranks. Quite how they plan to resolve their internal difficulties remains to be seen, but it promises to be an interesting few weeks. Aside from national politics, last week was dominated by the local elections - which is why this newsletter is arriving a little later than usual. As normal though, our community has continued to shine, with a fantastic range of events taking place as we head into what promises to be a lovely summer in our area.
Greg
SURREY AND HAMPSHIRE ELECTIONS
The local elections on Thursday have reshaped the political landscape across Surrey and Hampshire. I am delighted that, after months of hard campaigning, Conservative Councillors Phoebe Sullivan, Debbie Curnow-Ford, Antonia Cox and Nick Drew have all been elected to represent parts of our area.
The Liberal Democrats will run the new West Surrey Council, which comes into being next April. In Hampshire, the Conservatives remain the largest party, though no single party holds overall control of the County Council. I congratulate all those elected in our area and look forward to working constructively to deliver the best possible outcomes for Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook, and our surrounding villages.
TOP RANKING MP FOR SPEAKING IN PARLIAMENT
I remain deeply committed to the promise I made to all of you when I was elected in July 2024. That includes working locally to deliver real improvements for our community, supporting individuals who need help, and, importantly, being your voice in Parliament.
That is why I was delighted to learn that I ranked as the top Member of Parliament for spoken contributions in Parliament in 2025, excluding Government Ministers. Alongside this, I have submitted nearly 600 written parliamentary questions and taken part in hundreds of votes on key issues. In total, I have spoken about constituency matters 737 times on the floor of the House of Commons during the last parliamentary session.
A new parliamentary session begins on Wednesday, and I will continue doing my very best to represent you.
FEATURED NEWS
Farnham’s Great Duck Race
Back again for another successful year, it was great to see so many of you at Gostrey Meadow for the Duck Race. A special commendation is in order for the Farnham Weyside Rotary Club and its supporters, as well as all the other local charities, groups and organisations that help to make the day such fun.
Headley gets a new pavilion
I was delighted to official open the new Headley Pavilion, alongside Chairman of East Hants District Council and other local representatives. There were over 40 stallholders on the grounds, and it was particularly interesting to hear of the growing interest in Pétanque! The pavilion and its faciltiies will no doubt quickly become central to village life.
Whitehill and Bordon Carnival Fundraiser
I attended the fundraiser at Hogmoor Distillery, organised with support from students at the University of Surrey ahead of the Carnival taking place in mid-October. I enjoyed trying out some of the games on offer and it was also great to speak with the team from the local leisure centre. It was wonderful to see the community coming together to support the event.
A £1 million wish list
I appeared on BBC Politics South, covering NHS workforce capacity, migration and rural transport. There was an interesting question at the end about how I’d spend £1m in our area. My answer: a rail-link bus for Bordon for the next four years, or new mobile masts in Beacon Hill, Churt and Frensham.
Watch the full show on BBC iPlayer
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
After my recent meeting with the Liphook Allotment Neighbourhood Development (LAND) initiative, I am delighted that housebuilder Barratt Redrow has responded to my letter and is now taking steps to bring the allotments on Lowsley Farm Drive into community use within weeks. Having sat dormant for years, residents will finally have access to what they were promised.
Elsewhere in Liphook, there has been significant disruption from the ongoing roadworks and temporary traffic lights on London Road. Many have highlighted poor traffic light sequencing causing lengthy queues stretching back to the A3. I have raised these concerns directly with Hampshire County Council and requested an urgent review to ease the congestion.
I am also hearing from constituents facing serious delays to their Civil Service pension payments. I continue to press Capita and the Cabinet Office for urgent action, including the provision of financial hardship loans until regular payments and backdated lump sums are received.
On a more positive note, I was delighted to receive updates from the Home Office confirming that Leave to Remain has been granted for one constituent’s baby, and that a much-needed passport for another newborn has finally been issued.
