Conservative Party Leadership Election
Since my previous update, the race for the next leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party and our new Prime Minister has been continuing with the final two candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, remaining in the race. Both candidates have been travelling the length and breadth of the country attending different debates and hustings. Ballots have been sent out to all those Party members who are eligible with voting already well underway.
The deadline for members to return their ballots is 5pm on Friday 2nd September, with the winner scheduled to be announced on Monday 5th September. That winner will then become Leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister.
From the moment that the campaign commenced I have been actively supporting Liz Truss and it was a pleasure to welcome her to Nottinghamshire last week. Liz spoke to Conservative members throughout our region about her priorities for Levelling Up and ensuring that much needed investment comes to our County. It is essential we elect a leader who will deliver for the UK and deliver for Broxtowe. Having known Liz since my time serving at RAF Marham, I know she has the skills and determination to take our country forward and address the challenges that we are facing.
Cost of Living and Energy Bills
The rising cost of living and increases in energy bills is an issue of concern for many people in Broxtowe and it is vital that the Government tackles this head on ensuring that support is given to those who need it.
A range of support has been made available meaning that all domestic electricity customers will receive at least £400 towards the cost of their energy bills this year. This discount will start in October and be paid directly to energy suppliers in six instalments through to March 2023 to assist households through the winter period.
A Cost of Living Payment is available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credit who will receive a payment of £650 this year with an additional £150 available for those people who receive disability benefits to be paid in September in order to assist with additional costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.
On top of this, the Government is offering a range of support for pensioners, continuing with the annual Winter Fuel Payments that provide between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. In addition to this the Government has also announced an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment to be paid at the same time.
For further details on the support being made available please visit:
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/help-with-your-bills
Local Visits
Despite Parliament being on summer recess, it has remained a busy time and I have enjoyed getting out and about across Broxtowe to meet with constituents and organisations.
Earlier this month I had a fantastic afternoon attending the official opening of Bennerley Viaduct, The Iron Giant along with the Lord-Lieutenants of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The Iron Giant is an iconic local landmark and it is excellent to see the structure back into use now as a cycling and walking path. I am excited for the future of the project and the potential it will unlock for the area.
I will continue to offer my support to the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct in their goal of obtaining the funding for an eastern ramp at the Awsworth end, something that has been included as one of the proposed projects in the recently submitted £14 million Levelling Up Bid for Kimberley.
It was an honour to speak in my capacity as the Prime Minster’s Trade Envoy to the Caribbean at Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day Celebration Event in Nottingham that took place on 6th August. I am deeply proud of my Jamaican heritage and wish to extend my thanks to the organisers for putting on this momentous event.
On Monday I met with Craig Parkin, Chief Fire Officer at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS).
We discussed the issues caused by the recent drought for the Fire Service as well as other challenges the organisation is facing and specifically the support and funding that they need to continue protecting the lives of people here in Broxtowe.
NFRS does an excellent job serving the people of this county and a lot of their preventative work often goes unrecognised. It was great to have the opportunity to discuss these issues directly with the Chief Fire Officer and offer my support as a local Member of Parliament championing the Service in conversations with my colleagues in Government.
On Tuesday I visited Peak My Body, a newly opened fitness studio in Stapleford. It is fantastic to see Stapleford born and bred owner, Mike Millers, bring his new business to the Town. I am optimistic we will have many good news stories like this of investment and enterprise going forward because of the £21.1 million funding from the Towns Deal.
Robin Hood Half Marathon
This September, I will be running my first ever Robin Hood Half Marathon in aid of local charity Forces in the Community.
Forces in the Community is based in Beeston and offers advice and support to Veterans and their families with issues such as housing, benefits, mental health and employment.
As a Veteran myself, I know first-hand the important role played by organisations like Forces in the Community in helping members of the Armed Forces transition to civilian life. I am pleased to be raising much needed funds to help the charity continue with their vital work.
For anybody wishing to donate to my fundraising campaign, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/charity/forces-in-the-community
A Tribute to Cllr Eddie Cubley
I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Eddie Cubley. Eddie served as Broxtowe Borough Councillor for Greasley and Nottinghamshire County Councillor for Eastwood. Eddie worked tirelessly representing the constituents and communities that he loved and he will be missed by many. I would like to send my condolences to his family and friends, specifically his loving partner Christine.
Looking Ahead
With a couple of weeks left of the summer recess I will continue to be out and about in Broxtowe. Next week I am meeting with Police Inspector Mike Ebbins to discuss a range of local issues affecting Broxtowe such as the recent traveller encampments in Chilwell and issues of anti-social behaviour in Beeston.
Once Parliament resumes, I am looking forward to getting stuck in with a number of positive initiatives to help Broxtowe. I am currently serving on the Bill Committee for the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which is looking at wide ranging changes to ensure that all areas of the country can benefit and share in the prosperity. This Bill includes changes such as enhancements to planning regulations with an increased emphasis on protecting our environment and new arrangements for devolution bringing powers and decisions down to the local level.
Constituency Surgeries
I have held a number of constituency surgeries over the recess period, meeting with constituents to listen to their views and concerns and offer my assistance on a range of important matters.
My next surgery is scheduled for Saturday 3rd September. If you would like to book an appointment please do contact my office by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0115 671 2530.
