Christmas is always one of my favourite times of year. From the Ely Markets and the Ely Cathedral carol concert, to the Robin Hood panto at The Maltings, there is plenty for everyone locally. 

Christmas is also a crucial time for our excellent independent shops, so let’s do all we can to support them.

If you’re looking for chocolate to fill those stockings, why not consider Harry Specters? Or for a nice cut of meat for a Christmas dinner, there’s Bent and Cornwell Quality Meats. Or looking for gifts for the home – why not pop in to Cutlacks?

Over the past year, it’s been great to have assisted many of the business owners along Ely High Street and at business parks like Lancaster Way by connecting them to government support and resolving local issues like illegal parking and advice on exporting.

I have also really enjoyed meeting so many of you at recent open meetings in Witchford, Wentworth, Stuntney, Wicken and Reach, and I look forward to seeing many more of you in the new year. It’s always so useful to hear your perspectives as I seek to deliver for you. 

I’ve been pleased to have seen progress this year: on getting those potholes fixed with the additional millions of pounds from the Government, helping to secure a significant expansion of services at the Princess of Wales Hospital and St Mary’s Surgery, safeguarding our bus routes, backing the successful bid to expand Bishop Laney Sixth Form, and seeing progress on my campaign to upgrade the A10.

I am looking forward to continuing work on these and many other issues in 2024.

To all my constituents, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.