The guest at our most recent meeting was Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield, who gave us a whistle stop tour of his life so far, including his first years in Ferryhill, then Newton Aycliffe followed by another move to Darlington.
After training as an accountant with Darchem Engineering, Paul spent his working life with various employers in the area then on retirement, stood as a councillor for Durham County then Darlington Borough Council. Paul gave us an overview of the Sedgefield constituency and explained a little about the new boundaries due for implementation next year.
Paul then moved on to his busy life as an MP, (he receives in excess of 150 emails per day) his duties, his work schedule and how Parliament functions. One of his roles is as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Treasury and this gives him the opportunity to get behind closed doors and observe how ministers run their departments. Paul also sits on the Transport Select Committee.
Paul had brought along with him the brochure detailing the works and refurbishment to the Elizabeth Tower, a copy of Hansard and a very good presentation with great photographs.
Thanks for taking the time from your hectic day Paul, to visit us. Hope to see you again soon.