It’s been one whole year since I was given the honour of representing Stourbridge in Parliament. 

There’s not really a handbook for becoming an MP. Parliament is steeped in tradition. It assumes a certain background and that was genuinely challenging to adapt to.

I have made it a priority to support our pensioners, disabled residents, carers, and those so often overlooked; spending time holding Pension Credit meetings, Pensioner’s Fayre’s and Healthcare engagement sessions across the constituency.

One of the most defining moments from this first year was the national campaign for Assisted Dying. As a former NHS worker, I’ve seen what terminal illness can do. When Kim Leadbeater MP brought forward her bill, I knew I had to be part of that campaign. I appeared consistently in the national media, not to push a party line, but to speak from experience.

On June 20, it passed its Third Reading. It was a moment of profound pride for everyone who believes in dignity, compassion, and choice at the end of life.

This year, I’ve been filled with more moments of pride following Government votes that I believe will set this country up for a fairer future, like the Employment Rights Bill, Renter’s Rights Bill & Water (Special Measures) Act.

I established and now chair two great cross-party groups for colleagues in Parliament.

The Visual Arts and Artists APPG is dedicated to creative policy and smashing the class ceiling for aspiring artists, whcih means a lot to me, since Stourbridge, and the Black Country as a whole, has a wealth of creative talent.

I also Chair the Healthcare Workers APPG, bringing MPs with frontline experience like mine together, to improve health policy and get our voices heard.

Additionally, I was elected by colleagues to represent the UK Parliament in The Parliamentary Assembly to the Council of Europe, collaborating with our neighbours on issues that affect us all.

Of course, it hasn’t all been perfect. There have been moments of frustration, most notably the Government’s Welfare Reform proposals.

I’ve seen this system up close. I’ve lived in it. Of course, the system needs to change, but I cannot support cuts that hurt our most vulnerable and remind me of the worst days of austerity.

This led to me voting against the Government. Good friends support you, but great friends call you out when necessary, no matter how awkward it may be.

It is not easy to be the critical friend, but sometimes it is essential. It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew I was putting Stourbridge residents that will be impacted by this first.

As I reflect one year on, I know I now stand taller.

I am proud to be a voice for you in Parliament and look forward to what the next four years will bring.