My First Year as Your MP

My first year as your MP

It's hard to believe it's already been a whole year since the general election in July 2024, when the people of Chester South and Eddisbury gave me the greatest honour of my life: the chance to serve as your Member of Parliament.

There have been so many memorable moments over the past 12 months. I've found helping people with their issues (whether big or small) incredibly rewarding. I've loved attending Christmas fairs and summer fetes, visiting local businesses, chatting with farmers, and drinking a lot of lattes made with the finest milk in the world — Cheshire milk (not to mention our great ice creams)! I've spoken in Parliament on SEND, immigration, road safety, food security, improving animal welfare, supporting Ukraine, mental health services and so much more. There's too much to list, but every day I'm doing what I can to deliver for everyone in Chester South and Eddisbury and to be the best MP I can be.

When I was out on the doorstep speaking to you during the campaign, the same six priorities came up time and time again. That's why I focused my plan around them:

* Improving local transport and fixing the roads

* Better mobile phone and broadband connectivity

* Boosting local business

* More accessible healthcare

* Reducing crime and keeping us safe

* Supporting our rural economy and farmers

Whether it was missing important calls at home or struggling to find a local bus, from business owners feeling squeezed to people finding it hard to get a GP appointment, you told me what matters, and I've been working hard to deliver.

On business and the economy, the Government's decisions have hit hard. Rising employer national insurance contributions and other tax increases are putting pressure on both businesses and households. Here in Chester South and Eddisbury, our rural economy, and especially our farming community, is feeling that strain even more. The Family Farm Tax and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme have had real consequences locally. Farmers face huge uncertainty, and food producers and sellers are under pressure like never before. That is why I have spoken out in Parliament, challenged Ministers directly, and urged them to think again. I will keep fighting for a fairer deal for our local economy.

Connectivity continues to be a major concern. It is simply not acceptable that we still have so many signal not-spots across Chester South and Eddisbury. The network providers claim coverage is good, but we all know that is not the reality. And it is not just coverage; it is capacity too, across both broadband and mobile networks. I have raised this directly with the Minister as well as the mobile network operators, and I have made it clear that vague promises and inaction are not good enough. Some progress has been made, but there is still a way to go. That is why I have launched a local mobile connectivity survey to gather your experiences and build a strong case for change. I would be really grateful if you could take a moment to share your views with me via my website.

Transport is one area where we have made some real strides. From improving bus routes and timetables to help students get to school on time, to making key junctions safer and supporting Conservative councillors in their campaign to lower speed limits to 20mph outside schools across Cheshire West and Chester, we have made progress. It is all about making everyday life safer and more manageable.

Of course, there is still much more to do. But I want you to know that I am here, I am listening, and I am working hard every day on your behalf. The year ahead is another opportunity to push for positive change in Chester South and Eddisbury, and I am more determined than ever to make it count.

So thank you for your support, your feedback, and for making my first year as your MP so rewarding. If there is anything I can help with, please do not hesitate to get in touch at aphra.brandreth.mp@parliament.uk.

Year Two is going to be even better!

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