'I want to thank every one of you' - Lola McEvoy reflects on her first year as an MP
It has been a wild 12 months, both nationally and internationally. However, my most important takeaway from the last year is probably this: I came into this job believing most people are good and want to do right by their families and their communities.
Over the last year you've proven me right time and time again. I've always known Darlington was different - in the best way - and this year, you've shown me how.
Growing up in Darlington was great and I'm more determined than ever to deliver on what we all believe in: a safe and secure town and country, where people can live the life they want, well, and where the next generation have more opportunities to succeed that the last.
I know there's more to do, but I'm confident that the decisions we've taken this year will bear fruit for generations to come, and I'm determined to keep the pressure on to do my best by our town.
Locally, I've been hard at work bringing projects to life for the town. Only last week, I was proud to play my part in our bi-centenary celebrations, partnering with Darlington Cares and businesses to launch the Hopetown Golden Ticket scheme, which gives every primary pupil in Darlington a free ticket to enjoy the Wagon Woods playground at Hopetown.
I've also been campaigning to keep our young people safe online. My Darlington Online Safety Forum has made national news and next week I'm bringing the young leaders from the forum to Parliament. They will meet the Secretary of State Peter Kyle MP, so that they can tell him directly what needs to change to keep them safe online.
Improving lives in Darlington has been at the heart of everything I do. Since the election, I've sent over 12,000 emails and letters, including responding to almost 5,500 policy enquiries and supporting people with over 1,200 personal casework issues.
In Westminster, I've been lobbying ministers and working with the Government to deliver meaningful change that people can see and feel in our region. I've spoken almost 100 times in Parliament raising the issues that you've brought to me.
There is still much to be done but Labour has already secured some big wins and I hope people can see we're heading in the right direction.
Here are just some examples: investing £4 billion in world leading carbon capture industry at Teesside, delivering massive improvements in workers' and renters' rights, securing the future of the Hitachi manufacturing plant, delivering 4 million NHS appointments (2 million more than our own target), investing £1bn in local transport funding for the Tees Valley, delivering a record rise in the minimum wage, bringing NHS waiting times down to the lowest level in two years, expanding nursery capacity (with four new government-funded school-based nurseries in Darlington alone), investing £20 million in Darlington neighbourhoods, extending free school meals and giving the NHS the biggest capital investment it has ever seen.
These are all policies that will make a real difference to the lives of people in Darlington and across the North East, and we're just getting started.
On the economy we are starting to see signs of recovery too. We've had four interest rate cuts this year, meaning the costs of mortgages are going down, while business confidence is the highest it's been in almost a decade.
We've provided certainty with our ten-year infrastructure strategy and our modern industrial strategy (in which Darlington is specifically mentioned), both of which underpin our relentless pursuit of economic growth.
These plans have paved the way for a local economy and jobs boom in Darlington and across the region. It is up to us now to press forward and seize the opportunity.
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I want to end with a thank you. Firstly, to my team, who go above and beyond every day.
Secondly to every business, charity and organisation that I've met – you are the shining examples of good employers, community assets and innovative entrepreneurs we need more of in this country. It has been a joy to get to know you better.
Lastly, I want to thank every one of you whom I've met and who have contacted me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your stories with me. I've always known Darlington is a special place, but over the last year, you've shown me why.
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