Recess is the usual mixture of activity. With the exception of the delegation to Israel I wrote about last time, I’ve been spending my time undertaking a range of surgery appointments across the constituency and visits to local businesses and charities; attending summer events; and the usual casework, door-knocking – and planning for the autumn. I also popped to parliament to welcome a group of Ukrainian refugees and their hosts who we’d arranged a tour for (if you’d like to bring a group, do get in touch with me).
It’s good to be able to spend a lot more time at home in Didcot – even if it is as hot as it is! – but contrary to what some people suggest, recess is not a 5-week holiday. I am getting to read more than I usually get to when parliament is sitting – and, on that, can very much recommend a book about race in America that I’m just about to finish called The Fire Is Upon Us, by Nicholas Buccola – which is something I very much miss. I’ll have a week abroad for a holiday, but it is otherwise not a period for downing tools.
On the 5th September we’ll know who the next Prime Minister is. Based on the conversations I’ve been having, I suspect the race is closer than people expect. As some of you know, I backed Nadhim Zahawi in the first round and decided when he went out that I would not publicly declare for another candidate. Whoever wins has a big set of challenges facing them, starting with the cost of living, particularly energy.
While I don’t know exactly what each candidate will do if they win, I know whoever does will take further action to support people as every one of us realises how difficult things are for households. They’re also very difficult for small businesses, particularly hospitality businesses which have high energy costs, something many of us are making sure is heard at Westminster.
I’m very grateful to the companies that have offered work experience to local young people so far as part of my work experience campaign. They’re from a range of different sectors and highlight the depth and breadth of employment opportunities – and creativity – across the constituency. I have been hosting the young people interested in politics myself – 6 so far – and, given what has been happening in recent weeks, they’ve seen some quite eventful times in Westminster, albeit still at a bit of a distance. It’s clear lots of organisations have got out of the habit of providing work experience as a result of Covid, so if your organisation can help, please do get in touch: I’m arranging placements for October half-term.
