I’M delighted to announce that I have been officially re-selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Cornwall at the next general election. It has truly been the privilege of my life to serve as your MP over the last two years, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me, contacted me with casework, shared their concerns (on local and national topics), and helped us campaign to build a better North Cornwall. I’m really looking forward to continuing that work over the next three years and beyond, and cannot thank you all enough for your help.

On the Parliamentary business side of things, one of the biggest priorities I’m continuing to push is the future of the Bodmin Keep army museum. I’ve written to the MOD, joined by fellow Cornish MPs and Cornwall Council Leader Leigh Frost, to make the case for the urgent funding needed to get ‘Cornwall’s Army Museum’ back open (calling for £3.6 million towards essential structural and reordering works). The Keep’s collection, history, and its deep connection to Cornwall’s military community are incredibly important, and I’m pleased that colleagues from across Cornwall are joining me in making this case.

I’ve also been working on a new regeneration campaign for Bodmin itself, bringing together local businesses, community organisations, Cornwall Council and other key voices to discuss how we can revitalise the town centre, support local businesses and build a stronger future for the town. This is the first of my ‘North Cornwall town regeneration’ campaigns, and I’m looking forward to working constructively with everyone involved, including Bodmin Town Council, as we take these plans forward and continue working together.

Another issue I’ve continued to raise is the ongoing suspension of maternity services at North Devon District Hospital, which is having a serious impact on families in the northern part of my constituency (namely Bude and the surrounding areas). Following my recent joint letter with Ian Roome MP to the Health Secretary, I have spoken out again about the unacceptable situation facing expectant mothers who may now have to travel two to three hours further to access maternity services at other far away hospitals. I’ll also now be taking this issue to Parliament to make sure the voices of affected families here in North Cornwall are heard.

I’ve also written jointly to DEFRA this week, with Cornwall Councillor James O’Keefe, about the current hosepipe restrictions and the need for fair and consistently applied rules, including clarity around hot tubs at commercial holiday lets. At a time when water resources here are under pressure, with South West Water imposing a hosepipe ban, there also needs to be proper action on leakage, so I’ll continue pressing for answers from the Government and water companies.

Finally, I was delighted to officially open the new Launceston Banking Hub last week. With so many banks closing branches and leaving residents miles from face-to-face financial services, this new Hub provides a vital local alternative, with cash access and proper banking services available on a rotational basis. It’s something I’ve been pushing hard for, so it’s fantastic to see it finally open and serving the community. You can check online which days your bank will be there to take advantage of the service. Just google ‘Cash Access UK - Launceston’ to view opening times.

There is also a debate on banking hubs in Parliament this week, which I’ll be joining to make the case for more full Banking Hubs in communities - like Wadebridge - that need them. I’ll be continuing to campaign for a similar facility in the town, where the loss of face-to-face banking services has left residents with a real gap in provision. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress.