How have the first 100 days been? Lived up to expectations? Any regrets about becoming an MP?
Like anyone starting in any new job, life has been quite hectic. It is of course an honour and privilege to have been elected to Westminster but the rules and regulations now in place do not aid MPs in their work, they make it complex and onerous to operate in a role that needs both a constituency and Westminster presence and this needs to change if MPs are to remain effective and drawn from a cross-section of society.
Another failed Labour policy form the last parliament! That said I obviously have no regrets on being elected as an MP and am looking forward to the next 100 days plus…
What do you feel you have achieved, both in terms of short-term and long-term plans?
Short term:
I have established myself as someone people see as working hard for our city and the surrounding areas of the constituency. I am always available and willing to work with and for all the businesses and people who very kindly are receptive and helpful, and those that are in need of personal individual assistance are dealt with as quickly as possible, mostly with positive outcomes or at least a conclusion to their issue.
Long term:
More of the same
What are you planning on working on for Lincoln in next 100 days?
Continuing to press Network Rail over the High Street level crossing issue, and the need for an East/ West link and pedestrian access such as a footbridge. Supporting initiatives like the County Council’s planned new exhibition centred around the Magna Carta at the Castle and continuing to fight Lincoln’s corner on a myriad of issues including securing appropriate levels of funding both Countywide and regionally – for example the Police funding level in Lincolnshire, which I have raised face to face with the Home Secretary Theresa May. I will also be meeting with all Lincolnshire MPs and County Councillors for updates on various issues affecting the City and County
How has life at the House of Commons been?
Hectic, traditional, at times frustrating. A huge learning curve. There have been some difficulties:
Taking ages to get an office/phone. The frustration of having to write on behalf of constituents to ensure they receive a good service from statutory agencies when they should be receiving it in the first place anyway.
How do you view the coalition? Is it holding up? Working well? Any Lib Dem allies now?
I am pleased that some of the policies and personalities have surprisingly worked well. I hope that the stability and financial responsibility the country and our own financial markets as well as the international ones required immediately post General Election continues until 2015.
I have many friends from the last 20 years plus of my professional life who are LibDems and they are as surprised as me perhaps that we are now serving in the same Government, and we are certainly still friends.