With our country electing the first Labour government in 14 years and the people of Barnsley South returning me to Parliament with an increased majority of nearly 5,000 votes, 2024 has been a significant year both nationally and locally.
However, despite these positive results, the year has also brought challenges for both our country and our town.
Working people continue to bear the brunt of a cost of living crisis, our public services are under pressure, and we are operating in an increasingly unstable and uncertain world.
Further, after 14 years of broken promises under a Conservative government, people have - understandably - begun to doubt whether politics can make a positive difference in their lives.
It is in this context that I am proud to be working hard under a Labour government that is committed to turn this around and deliver on the priorities of working people, choosing stability, investment and reform over chaos, austerity and decline.
Whether that be raising living standards; ending hospital backlogs and providing an extra 40,000 NHS appointments; or putting 13,000 additional police officers on the beat - this Labour government is working towards the change that is so desperately needed.
I was also pleased to have continued my work championing the needs of local people throughout 2024.
Asking over 100 parliamentary questions and making over 100 speeches, I represented our area on a huge range of issues from improving road safety and tackling antisocial behaviour to campaigning against high fuel prices in Barnsley.
In particular, I was delighted that in November, following years of campaigning alongside dedicated miners and organisations, Labour finally delivered justice on the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.
By returning the billion-pound Investment Reserve Fund to members, miners received an immediate uplift to their pensions, with increased payments worth an average of £29 a week.
Over the year I also attended hundreds of local events, including visiting local schools, charities, organisations and businesses. It is always a pleasure to learn more about the brilliant work that is being done in our area and discuss how we can work together to bring about change.
As we end the year and start anew, I would like to pay tribute to all our front-line workers, volunteers and local organisations that make our community what it is - working day in and day out in difficult circumstances to help local people.
I hope you have all enjoyed a break over the Christmas period, and I look forward to continuing to work together with our fantastic community in the new year.
