This is my first column for several weeks. Once Parliament dissolved in May, there were no MPs and this column had to stop as newspapers have to follow very strict rules about impartiality. But of course, as I have written a column for the last 14 years, at the end of every week I inevitably was thinking about what I would have written about.
And I have so much to write about since my last column.
I attended D-Day events, visited local businesses such as MJS Transport and JCB in Cheadle and Caverswall Creamery, attended a vintage rally in Cauldon Lowe and a car rally in Cheadle, popped into events such as the Handmade & Creative Fair at Biddulph Town Hall to mark the start of Biddulph Festival, the Leek Loves Books and the Support Staffordshire events in Leek as well as the Elkstones Flower Festival, Brown Edge Well Dressing and the Cheadle Carnival.
I spent time at the Leek Cattle market catching up with our local farmers and joined the crowds to watch the football at the Bush in Brown Edge.
I have really enjoyed getting around all parts of the new Staffordshire Moorlands constituency which now includes Cheadle. I have campaigned in rain, wind, hail and sunshine and have spoken to so many local people, lots of old friends and new faces. You have told me about the things that you want to see improved and your concerns about services that you value and want to keep.
I want to thank each and every person who went out to vote on 4th July. I am truly honoured and humbled that you have put your faith in me for a fifth time and I will work hard to repay that trust each and every day. Thank you.
