The summer recess is fast approaching and we have a contest taking place over the coming weeks to choose a new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.
The departure of Boris Johnson was the right decision because standards in public office matter and he had lost the confidence of many MPs. This was something I conveyed to my whip. I am sad it ended in this way because I believe he achieved a great deal, especially Brexit and the vaccine rollout.
The final two candidates will be voted on by the party memberships but have not been chosen as I write this. I know they will be capable and talented people able to lead from the start and deal with the challenges we face. It is a big inbox for our new leader as we grapple with global inflation, the cost of living, the recovery from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister asked me to serve in the Government as Employment Minister and also as an Assistant Government Whip and I was proud and honoured to accept.
The Department for Work and Pensions is really at the frontline of helping with the cost-of-living challenges we face and I will do my utmost to support the Secretary of State and her team.
I am pleased to say around 8000 families in Hertford and Stortford are starting to receive the first £326 of government support to help with cost-of-living pressures.
The money will automatically hit eligible bank accounts until 31 July as part of the Government’s £37 billion national support package.
A second instalment of £324 will be given in the autumn - meaning the support is worth in total £650.
Separate payments for pensioners and disabled people will also arrive later this year.
This money will make a big difference to many families and it is targeted support too for those already on a range of benefits.
I have been out and about in the Hertford area and I recently visited Ashwood Care Home in Ware to meet with staff and residents.
The visit took place during Care Home Open Week – an event designed to connect care home staff and residents across the country with their local communities.
The home was recently a recipient of a cherry blossom tree after I secured 30 for the constituency as part of a national project to celebrate the friendship between Britain and Japan.
It was a great pleasure to visit this fantastic home to meet with staff and residents. It is important I visit and understand our social care sector here in Hertford and Stortford.
Parliament will soon end until September but the work of an MP does not stop. I will continue helping residents across Hertford and Stortford over the coming weeks while undertaking my ministerial duties.
I will be out and about over the summer meeting people and visiting events in the constituency. I hope to see you at one of them. Please enjoy the summer holidays. If you need my help please get in touch.