It is my first column of the new year, and so I begin by wishing readers a happy and healthy 2026.
In the run-up to Christmas, it is always great to see high streets across the constituency lit up with festive lights, trees and decorations to celebrate the season. Having engaged with business owners on these high streets over the course of the year, I am acutely aware of the hardship they have faced because of the choices made by the Labour Government. However, it was really encouraging to see residents out in support of small shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs – the very heart of our communities – in what should rightly be their most fruitful time of the year.
Continuing with this theme, it was a pleasure to welcome Kemi Badenoch (Leader of the Opposition) and Mel Stride (Shadow Chancellor) to our corner of London this month. We met with Jeremy Stern, Northwood resident and founder of local business PromoVeritas in Pinner. Readers may recall that Jeremy and his team were recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024, celebrating the success of a small enterprise built on hard work and dedication. Despite these accomplishments, however, PromoVeritas – like so many others across the constituency – are facing huge challenges. It is clear that Labour’s national insurance and business rate hikes are creating significant hurdles to growth and investment. I will continue to work with colleagues to advocate on behalf of these businesses and to ensure their voices are heard.
In other news, the campaign to save Pinner Police Station continues. Disappointingly, there has been no response from the Mayor of London to my letter requesting clarification on the costs involved to retain this service. I have repeatedly stressed the importance of having an accessible police front counter, particularly given the demographics of older and more vulnerable residents in Pinner and the surrounding areas. It is reassuring for them to know that this service is on their doorstep, and I will continue to campaign with local council colleagues, residents and volunteers to save the facility.
The future of the former Northwood Police Station site has been an ongoing concern for residents in and around Northwood. A number of planning applications for a change of use have been refused by Hillingdon Council, primarily on the grounds of traffic and consequential air pollution. Most recently, two applications for a children’s nursery have been submitted and refused, with the second of these being appealed. As a historically significant building, it would be great to see it restored and in use. However, I share residents’ concern about traffic, pollution and safety, and I will ensure these are fed back to the council.
Finally, my team and I are on-hand to support residents. I am continuing to hold regular surgeries around the constituency, and I am grateful to Josa on Joel Street for being excellent first-time hosts this month. I encourage residents to get in touch with my office if they need assistance.
Also featured in the January edition of My Local News is a Q&A, which I have also shared below.
What have you learned from 2025 that you're bringing into 2026?
One of the most striking things about 2025 was the number of U-turns performed by the Government. Certainly, in the case of winter fuel cuts and the family farm tax, these examples of back-pedalling were helpful to residents. While the reversals are to be welcomed, therefore, they at the same time demonstrate this administration’s sheer lack of direction. We are now faced with a similar situation with business rate hikes, impacting pubs in particular, and so the lesson here is that it is possible to effectively campaign to change Government policy so that it works for local people.
What was your biggest highlight of the past year?
The campaign to save the Urgent Care Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital. While ultimately frustrating, the local response inspired a togetherness, clearly demonstrating the strength of the community and the impact we can make if we work together. I am exceptionally grateful to residents and resident associations, council colleagues and neighbouring MPs for their support. Of course, it was disappointing that the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip did not back the campaign, failing to uphold the tradition of Hillingdon MPs working together for the good of their residents, but I am grateful for the support received elsewhere.
Come the end of this year, what will you hope to have achieved?
The ‘bread and butter’ of being a constituency MP is to provide support to residents in need of it. I have felt an increase over the past 18 months in how much of my time is spent trying to protect constituents from negative consequences of poor government decisions. It would be a positive to finish this year having moved to a stronger position where we see policy changes that are of greater benefit to all in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.
What are you most excited about going into the new year?
A renewed sense of optimism in the Conservative Party. I feel this has been building steadily under Kemi as leader and was evident during her visit to Pinner, with a really encouraging response from passers-by and business owners along the high street. Not only has she steadied the ship, but she is also clearly steering it in a direction that is being positively received by residents. I look forward to seeing this optimism continue over the course of the year.
What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?
Away from Westminster, I will be running the London Marathon for the fourth time in April, this time in support of the Michael Sobell Hospice. They provide an invaluable service to residents in and around Hillingdon living with serious or terminal illness and their families, and I will be visiting at the end of this month to hear about some of the vital work they do.
First published: My Local News, January 2026
