It started with a week which I have described as being like your first days at big school. As you probably saw the local new Conservative MP’s were the subject of significant press attention as we headed to Westminster which just enhanced the whole experience. Once there we had a surreal range of experiences, this starts with the normal induction any new employee would get like a security briefing and understanding where everything and everyone are. The difference being that we also had to fit in the election of a new Speaker; a Queens speech and the first vote in getting Brexit done.
I also received an unbelievable amount of mail both physical and emails which consist of everything from lobbyists to thank you letters to requests from constituents, the initial challenge is to prioritise them whilst at the same time working to engage staff and create an office. I have appointed a couple of staff this week who are going through security clearance and then will make a big difference to my response capabilities. I was also able to have an initial meeting with the Hitachi team in London.
This week has started with me being late down to London as I attended the funeral for Ron Hogg at Durham Cathedral on Tuesday before travelling down and we have then had a very full day on Wednesday with PMQ’s and various further stages of the Brexit legislation. Thursday looks very busy again before I return home and have a number of meetings on Friday including with the Council leaders of both Durham and Darlington.
Paul Howell
Member of Parliament for Sedgefield.
