I am writing this just hours before the Chancellor announces his Budget to the House of Commons. 

Over the last week I have been frenetically lobbying on Cheltenham’s behalf. There are three things that I have been focused on. 

I was delighted to introduce to Parliament this week the Domestic Abuse Bill. This is a landmark piece of legislation which will significantly enhance protection  for victims domestic abuse.

It’s time for Cheltenham Borough Council to set the record straight about their recycling plans. Are they planning to close Swindon Road recycling centre to general household waste and gardening waste or not?

Effective local policing here in Cheltenham has always been about more than just officers’ visibility – never more so than today, with crime increasingly taking place behind closed doors and online. 

I was delighted by the announcement in Parliament this week of a £5bn investment in England’s bus and cycling services. This presents a massive opportunity for Cheltenham.

The appalling attack by convicted terrorist, Sudesh Amman, in Streatham last week immediately reverberated in Parliament. 

And we’re off! The country will be going to the polls on 12 December for an historic winter election.

On Tuesday night, for a brief moment, it looked as if the Brexit purgatory might be coming to an end. Parliament voted, with a majority of 30, to back the new Brexit deal negotiated with the EU.

Cheltenham’s schools are some of the best in the country. Thanks to talented teachers and head teachers they are delivering better outcomes year on year, as this summer’s A level and GCSE results showed.

The highlight of the Party Conference in Manchester for me has been the announcement of a major boost in funding for schools. From next year, schools from Balcarras to All Saints’ Academy will receive at least £5,000 per pupil per year.