As I have stated before, having read the Sue Gray report in full, I was appalled at the shocking culture of routine drinking and poor behaviour amongst individuals in parts of Downing Street and the Cabinet Office during the pandemic.
People are rightly angry and upset that whilst they were observing the rules and making personal sacrifices, some of those who made the rules did not. I have made my dismay and that of my constituents clear to both the Prime Minister and his advisors, in doing this I also made it clear I expect to see culture change across government.
The Prime Minister has made an unreserved apology and it is welcome to see the start of changes being implemented to the structure of Government, including the creation of the Office of Prime Minister. Addressing the toxic culture present across Westminster must be achieved to ensure the trust of the public, who rightly expect better and the delivery of strong government.
After last night’s vote I feel it essential that we move forward together to achieve these aims and deliver for country.
I am proud of this government’s record and the achievements made over the period since the last general election. The government has delivered on key manifesto commitments to deliver Brexit, invest in the NHS and lead the world with a comprehensive environmental programme. All of this and more has been achieved whilst protecting our country from lasting economic damage during the pandemic, delivering the fastest booster rollout in Europe and providing support to Ukraine in their hour of need.
Over the past few months, I have spoken to hundreds of people across the Bury St Edmunds constituency in relation to the above matters. In these conversations I am always told of the issues that affect my constituents most, such as the cost of living and investment in our local communities. These are the real priorities the public rightly want their MP to be focused on and the reason why it is important that as we move forward, my focus remains the same as when I was first elected, delivering for Bury St Edmunds.
