A Year of Change: My Top 10 Moments of 2024
2024 has been a year of personal and political milestones for me, and a deepening commitment to serving the people of Blackpool South. As I reflect on the past 12 months, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a difference in my community and in Parliament. As I wish my constituents a Happy New Year, I reflect on the top 10 moments that made it unforgettable for me.
10. Opening Layton’s Hidden Garden: A community success
In August, I had the privilege of officially opening Layton’s Hidden Garden at Layton Library – a project that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Layton, I spent many hours in that library, and to see the addition of a vibrant green space for the community is something truly special. The garden was the brainchild of library manager Jane Berry, and it’s a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local businesses, councillors, and residents come together to make a difference. It’s a testament to the strength of community spirit, and I’m proud to have been a small part of it.
9. Chairing the APPG for Tourism and Hospitality
In September, I was honoured to be elected as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tourism and Hospitality. For Blackpool, a town built on tourism, this sector is vital, supporting thousands of jobs and driving local economic growth. As Chair, I have the opportunity to champion policies that will help tourism businesses thrive, attract more visitors, and ensure that our hospitality workers are properly supported. This is a role that directly benefits Blackpool South, and I look forward to using it to advocate for the interests of our local community on a national stage.
8. Fighting for affordable infant formula in Parliament
As the year draws to a close I spend much of my time in Westminster but at the beginning of the year I was spending more time in family hubs and baby groups with my newborn son. The cost of infant formula was a big shock to me as a new dad and meeting other parents I soon heard just how much of a struggle this was for many. Many parents in Blackpool South and beyond face an impossible choice between feeding their babies and meeting other basic needs. In response, I launched a campaign to address this public health crisis, leading to my first adjournment debate in Parliament. It was a proud moment for me to bring this issue to the forefront of the national conversation, and I’m committed to continuing this fight until every parent can afford to feed their child.
7. Visiting charities and meeting inspirational people
Since taking office, I’ve made it a priority to visit local charities and meet the incredible people doing important work in our community. On a visit to Streetlife I met 18-year-old Jenna. The charity had helped her secure her own flat, but she still didn’t have a fridge. I chuffed to be able to quickly source one and deliver it to her. The third sector is the lifeblood of our community, and I’m constantly inspired by the dedication and compassion I see in the people who work in these organisations.
6. Visiting schools across Blackpool South
One of the things I look forward to most is my Friday visits to local schools. These visits remind me of why I do this job and bring me closer to the heart of the community. On a visit during UK Parliament week last month, the children at St Kentigerns primary school blew me away. The pupil leadership team gave me a guided tour of the school including of Reception classes where children had prepared songs for me and painted my portrait. In Year 6 the children had prepared really insightful and topical questions on everything from small businesses to global politics. Things got a bit silly when one child asked me if I played Roblox and I admitted I was more into my Xbox. Another then asked if I could buy them all XBoxes and I was soon being presented with Christmas lists. Sadly the job of an MP doesn’t involve a big red suit and a sleigh!
5. Casework wins: Making a real difference
In my first 150 days as an MP, I handled 2,500 constituents' cases – everything from environmental concerns like seagulls attacking rubbish to more pressing issues such as homelessness and crime. Some of these cases have been especially rewarding. One memorable case was being able to help Emma and her three children find a permanent home. The family had been stuck in an airless B&B dining room serving as temporary accommodation for weeks on end at the height of the summer. Politics is people and being able to help residents of Blackpool South is what this job is all about.
4. Delivering my maiden speech (under pressure!)
As an MP, one of the most important milestones is delivering your maiden speech in Parliament. After winning the Blackpool South by-election, I had barely got comfortable at my desk in Parliament when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a general election. I had only been MP for 20 days! I was given two days to write and deliver my speech unless I wanted a lifetime of being the answer to an obscure pub quiz question – about which MP never gave one in their first Parliamentary term. Thankfully, I work well under pressure and I delivered a speech about my hometown that I was proud of.
3. A historic win in the Blackpool South By-Election
Securing the Blackpool South seat on 2 May 2024 was a career-defining moment. With almost 59% of the vote and every polling district in the constituency backing me, it was clear that the people of Blackpool South were ready for change. After years of political sleaze and an MP more interested in division than in serving the community, the people in Blackpool South sent a clear message to the government – it was time for change. I was determined to begin restoring integrity to politics but I couldn’t do it alone. I called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call a general election and give the rest of the country the same opportunity Blackpool South had to choose Labour. I didn’t expect he would take me up on it as quickly as he did!
2. Labour’s win in the General Election
On 4th July, Blackpool South made its voice heard alongside constituencies across the country – voting for change and a future built on equality, integrity, and compassion. Labour’s victory in the general election was a triumph for everyone who believes in building a fairer, more inclusive Britain. For me, it was a moment of immense pride – returning to Parliament alongside 411 other Labour MPs, knowing that we were part of a movement for real change. The next few years are full of promise, and I’m excited about the work we’ll be doing to improve the lives of people in Blackpool and beyond.
1. Becoming a dad: Welcoming Cillian into the world
Undoubtedly, the most life-changing moment of 2024 was the birth of my son, Cillian, in February. Becoming a dad has been a joy beyond words, and I’m so thankful that I was able to be a stay-at-home dad during the early months of his life. My wife Portia and I had our hands full, but those months spent bonding with Cillian are moments I will always treasure. The demands of campaigning and then my work as MP soon meant less time at home, but nothing beats coming back from Westminster on a Thursday evening to Cillian’s smiling face – it makes all the hard work worth it.
