Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter looks back at the year since his election
One year ago today, the SNP’s Graham Leadbitter was elected as Moray’s MP. Below, he has written about his first year in the role.
One year on from my election as Member of Parliament representing the good people of Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey, I wouldn’t have expected to be having to vote against a Labour Government bill that is inherently designed to prevent disabled people, in the future, being able to access the welfare support that they need.
However, something I have learned in the last year is that this role is incredibly varied, no two days are the same and parliament can throw some real curve balls!
What remains is the deep privilege of representing this fantastic constituency, and supporting the many people who live, work and do business here.
One of my first orders of business after being elected was to appoint my staff team and set up an office.
I am incredibly grateful to have had their excellent support over the last year, and it is thanks to them we have handled over 5000 cases.
We have also secured a physical presence with a constituency office in Elgin, where we are open from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and I would certainly encourage anyone who needs my support to drop in for a chat, and we will do our best to assist you.
Email, phone and good old-fashioned letters are also welcome!
What won’t come as a surprise is that the main issue constituents have needed support with has been the ongoing cost of living crisis, specifically their exorbitant energy bills.
Frustratingly, we know that across the Highlands and Moray we produce more energy than we need.
It only stands to reason that those living here should see the benefit of the energy produced on their doorsteps by way of lower energy bills. However, we know that this is not the case.
More recently, I have taken on the role of Energy Spokesperson for the SNP at Westminster, alongside my existing Science, Innovation & Technology and Transport briefs.
This is an important role, both nationally and locally, and I continue my previous calls for a Highland Energy Rebate – so that you who live here in the Highlands and in Moray and experience some of the coldest temperatures in the UK, aren’t penalised with higher energy bills.
Beyond this, folk, understandably, write in their hundreds about the ongoing situation in Gaza.
My SNP colleagues and I have been steadfast in our commitment calling for an end to arms sales to Israel, which seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
We remain committed to this call, and whilst this situation is horrendous to witness, what has been heartening has been the compassion and empathy shown from so many constituents who refuse to sit back and watch these atrocities unfold and remain quiet about it.
I am indeed very grateful for those who take the time to get in touch to share their views; it allows me to best be able to do my role and represent those across the constituency.
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When I am not down in Westminster speaking in the chamber, in debates, raising questions and meeting with various organisations, I am travelling around what is a pretty huge and brilliantly diverse constituency.
Meeting local constituents and learning about the fantastic work they are doing is a highlight of this role and I never cease to be impressed at the talent we have here.
I regularly meet with organisations such as Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Moray Chamber of Commerce, Cairngorm Business Partnership, council officials and numerous local charities and community trusts.
I have held numerous constituency surgeries, and, indeed, will be embarking on a summer surgery tour in August where I will aim to make it across the length and breadth of the constituency, meeting those who might need my support or who just want to talk about the good work they are doing it simply so for a chat about current issues.
If this is you, do get in touch and I’ll be happy to arrange a time to meet with you.
Equally, if you are running a business, a local charity or are involved in a sports group or project it is always great to see things first hand.
So whilst the last year has been a whirlwind, I haven’t forgotten the privilege of representing the area I have lived in for 24 years.
I look forward to working hard over the years ahead, and meeting and supporting many more of you.