Callum’s Column: My first speech and first 100 days

2024 has been a year of many firsts for me as the newly elected MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, and here I am adding another one as this is my first ever column for the Bucks Herald.

When I was elected, I promised that I would be proactive and visible, and I know just how important local media is for our community. Therefore, I am delighted that I can use Callum’s Column to share my news and views.

And it’s been a big couple of weeks for me – at the international investment debate on October 17 I made my maiden speech in Parliament. As suggested in the name, you only get to make this speech once, and I hope I did you proud.

I used my maiden speech to remind my fellow parliamentarians that while Buckingham, Bletchley, Tattenhoe, Winslow and the many wonderful villages in between are all different in character, they all have deep-rooted, rich histories. I feel very lucky to represent a constituency which has incredible institutions such as Bletchley Park and Silverstone.

I also reflected that while each community I represent is unique, we all share common values, a deep sense of civic pride, patriotism, and a belief that opportunity should be available to everyone, if they work hard.

Speaking of working hard, I promised to serve each and every person and part of my patch with the same diligence - be they urban and rural, and regardless of their size or affluence. I like to think that I have made a good start on this already.

In fact, to mark 100 days passing since I became the Member of Parliament for Buckingham and Bletchley, I’ve made a short video which you can watch on my website on what I have been up to locally. From constituency surgeries to visiting charities and companies, I have been out and about and listening to you. I promise that as your Member of Parliament, I will do all that I can to make sure your voice is heard in Westminster.

It is an absolute privilege to serve you, and If you'd told this council flat kid 25 years ago that he'd one day be speaking in Parliament as an MP, he wouldn't have believed it. But despite our challenges, anything can happen in Britain if you work at it, and I particularly want our local young people to know this.

Change is happening, and there’s lots more to come. In fact, just this month I have been voting in Westminster to launch a major industry review to clear up our waterways, to strengthen our employment rights and to create a publicly owned, clean energy company.

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