ON July 4, I was overjoyed to see the Labour Party sweep to a landslide victory in the General Election – but, of course you knew I’d say that.

As the “wall” in the North East returned to the most vibrant shade of red, the electorate sent a clear message to the Conservatives who had kept seats warm from 2019: they had failed.

Many voters returned to their Labour roots. Some voted Labour for the first time, in search of hope, in search of change.

When I returned to Parliament on July 8, the atmosphere seemed vastly different. There was a feeling of unequivocal positivity that I hadn’t witnessed before. Like a cloud had lifted.

And the change that so many of us voted for began immediately.

I listened intently to a King’s Speech which contained 40 bills, the most since 2005. Those bills will improve the lives of people all around the country. Over the coming weeks, months and years, this Labour government will reduce inequalities, improve our utilities and public transport systems as well as reform the rental market and treatment for mental health. Labour will crack down on anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, strengthen employment protections for new mothers and improve children’s well-being – but that is simply scratching the surface.

We saw the callous Rwanda Plan immediately scrapped, ministers and trade union general secretaries embarked on new relationships with meaningful dialogue and millions of public sector workers were awarded an above-inflation pay rise.

We sowed the seeds for our New Deal for Working People to be implemented, and recommitted to building 1.5 million homes that are high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable.

However, I will not pretend that everything is always going to be rosy. There is no doubt tough decisions will have to be made as the new government addresses the economic black hole it has inherited from the Conservatives.

I’ve also no doubt that, at times, I won’t agree with some of the decisions that are made.

That is why, this week, I wrote to the Chancellor regarding the change to Winter Fuel Payments. I think my record as an MP speaks for itself – if there is cause to put on record my objections, you can always rely on me to do just that.

During the election I ran a campaign of pure positivity. There was no room for hatred or division in Durham. To the 19,131 people who voted for me, I’m so grateful for your support and will do everything in my power to represent you to the best of my abilities.

To those who voted for other candidates, I will work tirelessly to convince you that I am the right choice to be a strong voice for every part of the constituency. From Langley Park to Oakenshaw, from Pittington to Satley, I’m here to represent you all and I want to hear from you.

As summer recess begins, I’ll be refocussing on the priorities that I have in mind to improve the lives of everyone in the City of Durham. It is such an exciting prospect that, when the House returns in September, I’ll have a government behind me to support my work and I’m sure that we’ll see the changes that we need, and so very much deserve.