AS we look forward to 2023, naturally one also reflects on the year past; on the massive changes that have happened in the last 12 months.
This time last year, we had a different Prime Minister, and the Queen was still our Head of State.
It has been a tumultuous time in politics, and there have been many changes. My government role has changed, but my job as your Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole remains the same.
I always love coming back from Westminster to Dorset as it is a journey bringing me home.
2023 will mark 20 years since I first moved to Dorset. It is such a wonderful place to live, work and bring up family. London is where parliament sits, but Dorset is home!
Later in the year we will hear the exact changes that are being made to the boundaries of Parliamentary constituencies.
At the moment there are around 84,000 people living in Mid Dorset and North Poole, with around 65,000 adults eligible to vote. This needs to be increased, to standardise constituencies. The new boundaries will mean that there will be around 72,000 voters, which is more similar to the other constituencies across Dorset.
Over the last year I have received over 8,500 emails and letters from constituents, and sent out over 10,000 emails and letters. This might seem a lot, and my team and I do sometimes receive more than 100 emails each day. Many of you let me know your views on a range of issues, and that is an important part of being a constituency MP.
If you do need to contact me for help or advice, my excellent team and I will do everything we can to assist you.
I always say that I sadly don’t have a magic wand, and change can be slow. But even if an issue is not within my gift or power, I will do my best to help.
In Parliament I have one of the highest voting records over the past year, on topics including preventing child marriage, ensuring waiting staff get their tips, enshrining freedom of speech in our universities into law, putting a cap on energy prices and putting a levy on oil and gas producers. I was also pleased to support the government in increasing benefits and pensions in line with inflation.
In the constituency I have had regular in-person and phone surgeries, and visited a range of people. I have been quizzed by schoolchildren and hosted work experience students, had meetings with councillors, the NHS, the PCC and the fire service.
We are living in challenging times, but I am proud of the support that the government has put in place for everyone here at home, and also the support for the people of Ukraine.
I continue to hold regular surgeries in the constituency so do get in touch if there is something you need help with, or if you’d like me to visit your organisation or business.
Email michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk or contact my office on 01202 624216.
You can also follow what I’ve been doing on Twitter @Michael4mdnp, Facebook www.facebook.com/michael4MDNP or at www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk.
MICHAEL TOMLINSON
MP for Mid Dorset and
North Poole
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