Westminster Despatches - 2nd August 2022

Dear Resident,

Regular readers of Westminster Despatches will be aware that the Government is searching for a location for the headquarters of the new Great British Railways (GBR). You can play your part in helping to get GBR to Derby, one of the shortlisted cities, by casting your vote in support of the bid, which without doubt will benefit the whole of our region, including Erewash. This competition is playing its part to deliver on the Government’s central commitment of level up across the UK. The public vote will help to influence the Transport Secretary's final decision later this year, so don't delay, log on and cast your vote today at gbrtt.co.uk/hq-competition-public-vote.

On Friday I had the pleasure of joining Kevin Slack, Managing Director of Ron Brooks Motor Group in Ilkeston to help celebrate 60 years of successful business and being awarded the prestigious Ichiban Award for the ‘Best Retailer in Town’. It was also a celebration of the staff at Ron Brooks, many working there for many years. It was also announced that the business’s charity of the year will be Treetops Hospice, a charity that provides so much amazing support for those at the end of their lives.

I also met with volunteers who run the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton to book the venue for my forthcoming ‘Jobs Fair’, with a difference. This year, it will be the Erewash Employment and Community Fair, encompassing job vacancies, apprenticeships, volunteering opportunities and community support. I will be inviting businesses and voluntary groups to book a stand, and of course Erewash residents to come along to see what’s on offer. I’m holding this on Tuesday 27th September and will provide further details later; however, if you would like to book a stand, please do let me know as early as possible as space is limited.

Everyone I’ve met around the constituency over the last couple of weeks have, without fail, asked me which candidate I’m supporting for leadership of the Conservative Party, and therefore our next Prime Minister. Whilst the system in place allows only Conservative Party members to vote in the ballot, I sense a genuine interest from non-members too. Even before I was elected as your MP, I knew Liz Truss, and as Rishi Sunak was first elected at the same election as I was, 2015, I got to know him well too. After careful consideration, I have decided to back Rishi Sunak in the upcoming ballot. Like many of you, I was brought up on the principle that if you can’t afford something, you don’t get it – very much the same principle of the other Maggie T, Margaret Thatcher. This is the basis of Rishi’s economic policies too. Rishi also has shown true leadership qualities during the pandemic when he very quickly introduced the furlough scheme and the numerous business support mechanisms, which undoubtedly saved many hundreds of thousands of jobs. There are many more reasons why I am backing Rishi, and I am more than happy to discuss further with Party Members. I would urge those who can vote to attend at least one of the hustings, whether online or in person, as well as watching the various TV debates still to take place, including Sky News on Thursday.

Finally, I am sure you will join with me in sending huge congratulations to ‘The Lionesses’ on their historic win on Sunday - a great demonstration of professionalism and commitment which, I’m sure, will inspire more children to get involved with sport of all kinds which has to be good news for their physical and mental health.

With best wishes for the week ahead,

Maggie Throup MP
Member of Parliament for Erewash

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