One week on from polling day, and several political parties already appear to be in disarray.
Reform’s leader is facing an investigation after receiving millions of pounds from overseas without proper disclosure. Zack Polanski has been criticised for not even voting and failing to pay his Council Tax. Meanwhile, Labour has seen resignations from Government, alongside growing speculation about the Mayor of Manchester seeking a return to Westminster. At a time when the country needs clear leadership, Sir Keir Starmer is focused on his internal battles.
The simple question remains: what comes next?
Greg
FEATURED NEWS
At least there’s one credible plan in Westminster
The new Parliamentary session brings with it the Government’s opportunity to set out its plans for the year in the King’s Speech. But all Labour has are recycled policies that won’t fix Britain’s issues. As I wrote in The Herald, the Conservatives set out a credible plan to get the country back on track.
Read our 'Alternative King’s Speech’ in full
Oakmoor School looking for mentors
I’ve been talking to Headteacher Nigel Wright about how his secondary school in Bordon has been selected as a pioneer site for a new boys’ mentoring scheme. They are looking for local adults to mentor pupils and help them become grounded, ambitious and resilient young men.
Read more and register your interest
Dementia action week in Haslemere
The Hunter Centre is gearing up for next week with a set of events focusing on dementia. On Monday, there will be a virtual ‘Dementia Bus’ in the High Street car park, to help people grasp what life is like with dementia. As Patron of the Hunter Centre, I’m looking forward to being guest speaker on Thursday evening.
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice opens
I was delighted to join the official opening of the new hospice at Phyllis Tuckwell’s Menin Way site today. The upgrade has come at a total cost of £17.5m for the charity, supported by a local campaign and generous donations. The site should be operational next month - I know how many people will be pleased to see this project finish as a tremendous success.
UPGRADED MOBILE MASTS SECURED
I’m pleased that after months of work pressing the operators who use shared infrastructure,
customers of most networks should be seeing better signal in selected towns and villages across our area. Improving coverage has been one of my top priorities, and VodafoneThree has now upgraded its masts Wrecclesham, Churt, Hindhead, Grayshott, Lindford and Liphook. I’ve also secured agreements for significantly upgraded masts north of Bordon and in central Farnham.
This is real progress, but there’s still more to do - particularly improving capacity in our towns and coverage more of our villages. I’ll keep pushing on this. Thank you to everyone who’s shared your experiences of coverage at home and when out and about.
WORK CONTINUES ON WEST SURREY DEBT SUPPORT
As we move closer to next April and the creation of the new West Surrey Council, one simple question still hasn’t been answered: who will pay for Woking’s debt?
After raising this repeatedly in the House of Commons last year, I’ve been in a monthly back and forth with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government since January. My argument is clear. First, the new council will need further support or it risks being financially unstable from day one. Second, my constituents must not be left to pick up the bill for debts incurred elsewhere.
This week’s response from Government talks about a commitment to ‘explore’ additional support beyond the £500 million already secured for Woking, but offers no firm plan. With less than a year to go, that lack of clarity is not good enough. I will continue pressing for answers, including raising this again in the House of Commons now Parliament is back in session.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
I’m pleased to be able to share some positive updates this week. I’m very glad that funding has now been approved for essential home adaptations through Waverley Borough Council, helping a constituent with terminal cancer in North Farnham to live independently with dignity. I will continue to follow this case closely until the work is fully completed.
On local infrastructure, I have now received clarification regarding the three-way temporary traffic lights on London Road in Liphook. Following a review, traffic is reported to have returned to normal levels without significant delays. However, the works by SGN have been extended and are now expected to continue until 12th June.
