I welcomed new Government reforms giving councils greater freedom to support local and UK businesses and keep public money circulating in communities like Redditch. The changes, set to come into force in early 2026, remove outdated restrictions that prevented councils from considering local economic benefit when awarding certain contracts. Serving on the Parliamentary committee scrutinising the reforms, I described them as practical, common-sense changes that will help councils back small...

I welcomed new Government action to tackle illegal “ghost” number plates, which criminals use to evade ANPR cameras and commit serious offences, including county lines drug activity affecting Redditch and the surrounding villages. The crackdown introduces tougher penalties, including penalty points, vehicle seizure for repeat offenders and restrictions on the manufacture and sale of illegal plates. Co-sponsoring the legislation alongside Sarah Coombes MP, I said ghost plates have no...

I have met with UKHospitality Chair Kate Nicholls OBE in Westminster to discuss support for local pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels across Redditch and the Villages. The meeting focused on the importance of hospitality to local jobs, high streets and community life, as well as pressures facing businesses ahead of the 2026 business rates revaluation. I shared feedback directly from constituency businesses, drawing on my professional background in the tourism sector. I stressed the need for...