THE LATEST
NEWS
A turning point for road safety
The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy is the first comprehensive plan in over a decade to make our roads safer for everyone.
Government strengthens support for child victims
The Labour Government has announced plans for a new Victims’ Code which will provide better support to child victims in Blackpool to understand their rights and how to get the help they need to recover.
Reading comes in many forms – and every one of them counts
For some people reading comes easily. For others, like me, it doesn’t. I found my way into stories, ideas and learning through a different door and that’s one of the reasons I welcome Labour working with the National Literacy Trust to name 2026 the National Year of Reading.
Residents take Pride in Grange Park
Around 80 residents of Grange Park turned out over two days last week to help design the future of your estate.
Meeting with Chancellor to discuss regeneration plans for South Shore
Yesterday I secured a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss long-term investment and regeneration in South Shore – one of the most deprived areas in the country – after shining a spotlight on the area in Parliament.
Tourism delivers for Britain – the Government must deliver for tourism
In my role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, I’ve been pushing the government for recognition that the UK’s visitor economy is far more than a pleasant distraction – it’s an economic force and part of our national prosperity.
Labour’s once-in-a-generation overhaul of the water system
Sweeping reforms made by the Labour government are set to clean up the water industry, strengthen regulation and put an end to failing water companies marking their own homework.
Share your experience of maternity services
Have you used maternity or neonatal services in England? Share your experience with the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation and help shape the future of care for women and families across the country.
Tramtown: statement on its future
Last week the future of the 90 year old engineering workshed that serves our heritage trams and acts as a visitor attraction – Tramtown – was called into question as a council report revealed it is in need of millions of pounds of repairs.
Mental health support on Blue Monday
The festive season has passed, the days are short, money is tight and many people feel worn down or isolated. Blue Monday is here – a day often described as the most difficult of the year for mental health.
Government acts on screen time and young children
New evidence shows screen use in the early years can create real problems with language. The government is now developing the first national guidance on screen time for under-fives, shaped with parents and early years workers.
Blackpool Jobs Fair is back – bigger, better and focused on career progression
I’m constantly working to build a better Blackpool, and a big part of that mission is to get you working too. I’m happy to announce that my annual jobs fair – Blackpool’s biggest ever – is returning to the Winter Gardens Conference Centre on Thursday 26 February 2026.
Ten Years Stolen: Blackpool’s future is Britain’s test
My son was born in Blackpool. That simple fact means he is destined to live ten years less than a boy born in Hampshire. This isn’t down to fate or chance, but policy choices. Unless we act, they will inherit a Britain that rewards wealth and punishes geography.
Survey: Help shape the future of Layton and Grange Park
Are you a resident of Layton or Grange Park? I want to hear your views on how the area should be improved.
By rejecting division and decline, we are building a better Blackpool and a Britain built for all
2026 is the year Britain turns a corner, and in Blackpool we’re going to do it together.
Women in tech taskforce launched to break down barriers
The government has launched a new Women in Tech Taskforce to tackle the barriers holding women back from entering, staying and leading in the sector. I want to hear from women working in tech in my constituency so I can share your stories with it.
A Year of Progress: My Top 10 Moments of 2025
2025 has been a year of making a real difference for people across Blackpool South. As we welcome the New Year, here are the ten moments that defined the past twelve months for me.
Boxing Day reflections
After the whirlwind of Christmas Day – wrapping paper now in the recycling, more turkey than you can face in the fridge and the house calm again – Boxing Day always feels like a deep breath. It provides us with a quieter moment to take stock and this year I wan’t to take the opportunity to think about what this day really means.
Christmas wishes from your MP
I wish each and every one of you peace, good health and happiness this Christmas and throughout the year ahead. Thank you once again for your trust and support – I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2026 and beyond.
This is not ground zero for social decay
Despite the challenges captured in statistics, people in our town won’t be defined by them. Our communities are strong, our young people are ambitious and our organisations drive change every day. This spirit of resilience and determination is the foundation on which renewal can be built.

