Firstly, I would like to thank all residents in the Chichester constituency who voted for me. It is a huge honour to be elected as your MP and I look forward to serving everybody to the best of my ability.
After a long night at the count, I spent the first few days attending social events in the constituency, including enjoying the wonderful open gardens in Bosham. I drove up to Westminster on Sunday night as we started our induction at 8am on Monday morning. We were met by a very impressive team who recognised all members as we walked through the door and gave us our parliamentary pass and a buddy to help you find your way. They had used the photo from my Chichester District Council pass so fortunately I look a few years younger…!
The first business in the House of Commons Chamber took place on Tuesday with the re-election of the Speaker. This is presided over by the Father of the House, Ken Clarke. I was very lucky to be asked to sit next to Mr Speaker-elect on the green benches. Traditionally the Speaker’s role was to communicate the Commons opinion to the Monarch who, if he didn’t like the message, was highly likely to punish the messenger by death! Understandably the post was less coveted than it is today, hence the dragging of the Speaker to the chair. One of the many quirky traditions of Parliament.
I came back to Chichester on Thursday night to meet with some constituents, followed by media interviews ending the day at a reception hosted by the Chichester Harbour Trust.
I also had look at some potential office space with a view to opening a Constituency office in Chichester city centre so it will be easy to stay in touch.