It’s been another busy and productive week, with plenty of opportunities to get stuck into the work of delivering real change for communities. A key part of that has been meeting with experts to discuss the Government’s plans to improve local government standards for councillors. The vast majority of elected members are hardworking public servants, but we know that a small minority can undermine trust in the system. The last Tory government stripped councils of the powers needed to hold poor behaviour to account, and we are determined to put that right. The consultation on our proposals is still open, and we want to hear as many views as possible.

It was a real honour to return to the Labour Local Government Conference—this time as Minister of State for Local Government. As a former leader of Labour’s Local Government Association (LGA) Group, I’ve always known that councils are at the heart of delivering change, and they deserve the respect and resources to do the job properly. There is no path to giving communities more control over decisions that affect them—what we call devolution—that doesn’t go through local government. It felt like a real family reunion—Labour councillors standing together, ready to deliver.

This Labour government is serious about change, and we know that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Labour councillors on the ground. Any progress we make in fixing the system is a direct result of their hard work, and they deserve real recognition for it.

I also managed to break away from Westminster to visit Liverpool and Chester, meeting with Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson and Mayor Steve Rotheram to discuss how we transfer more powers and funding to local areas. It was great to meet local leaders in Cheshire as well, where we talked about their priorities and saw the fantastic Eco House training facility at Cheshire College, where apprentices are learning the skills that will power the green economy.

But beyond local government, this was also a big week for national change. In Parliament, we passed crucial reforms to strengthen border security and restore order to the asylum and immigration system—despite the Tories and Reform Party voting against them. We set out plans to build the next generation of new towns, with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools, and public transport, taking real steps to end the housing crisis. And we delivered the largest pay rise in over 20 years for our service personnel—the people who keep our country safe at home and strong abroad.

We know there’s still a huge amount to do to deliver the change this country needs. But we should also take confidence in the progress we’re making: inflation is down, mortgage rates are falling, wages are growing at their fastest rate in three years, business investment is at a 19-year high, and leading international financial experts predict that Britain will be one of the fastest-growing economies in the coming years.

There’s a long way to go, but under Labour, Britain is back on the right path.

Constituents are usually very kind when we’ve helped them, and I know our team really appreciate the feedback they get when a job’s well done and we get the result needed, and it’s lovely when someone takes the time to send an email, or a card in the post.

The vast majority of ‘wins’ in the constituency are due to the work of my team, they support around 8000 or so requests for support, help and campaign issues every year, so it takes some doing. It helps all of them are from the borough so have a stake in place and its people.

So thank you to all who take the time to say thank you when you don’t really need to. What a great way to brighten the day!

The new Labour Government is getting on with the job, and has brought forward plans to break down barriers for young people undertaking an apprenticeship.

I was an apprentice, and I’m proud of it. I left school at 16 and after an initial summer job and training placement in the NHS, I was lucky enough to secure an apprenticeship as a technician. It opened doors for me with a day training each week at Oldham College and then real hands on experience in the workplace.

I know the importance of practical skills and I want to boost opportunities for young people in the same way. And the country needs it!

The national skills gap is a critical issue affecting economic growth and productivity, and I believe a key way to address this gap is through implementing greater skills training for young people that meet the demands of the evolving job market.

Now, apprentices over 19 will no longer need Level 2 English and maths qualifications to complete their course which will enable 10,000 more people to qualify every year.

Throughout my time as an MP, I have repeatedly called for the Government to reflect on the support, resource, and funding we provide to boosting apprenticeships and breaking down barriers for young people.

As early as 2017, I addressed educational attainment in Oldham in Parliament, emphasising the importance of incorporating vocational skills, such as mechanics and joinery, into the curriculum. I believe that young people should be taught practical skills to prepare for various vocations and shouldn’t be restricted narrowly to academic routes. Every young person is different, and pathways into work should reflect this. Apprenticeships widen opportunities through the development of practical skills, hands-on experience, and learning on the job.

They offer a path to a decent life, rewarded with jobs that make the country tick and which offer career progression with good pay.

I believe that employer-led training is the most effective way of meeting our growing skills gap as well as widening participation for young people into the job market. They can be an effective way of readying young people for the world of work, while also offering a meaningful alternative to higher education. I, therefore, welcome the Government’s announcement and will continue to champion vocational pathways.

Each month I will be publishing a community newsletter on the work we have been doing over the last month for local people in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton.

In this way constituents can track the progress of the local priorities we put forward at the election in July, and keep up-to-date with our ongoing campaigns.

Head to the link below to sign-up for the first one coming this Saturday!

https://mailchi.mp/dceee952c38f/sign-up-to-my-monthly-community-newsletter