In South Northamptonshire

South Northamptonshire is a beautiful community and one I was honoured to have represented in Parliament from 2010 to 2024. I am regularly out and about in the community, visiting schools and businesses, campaigning on issues and meeting constituents at my regular advice surgeries. The constituency spans from the southwestern suburbs of Northampton down the A43 to the towns of Towcester and Brackley, and also includes 92 villages and parishes.

A core role of an MP is to support residents across a whole range of issues, from policy queries to working alongside those most vulnerable with a wide range of issues including housing, employment and benefits.

As well as casework to resolve the issues faced by individuals, my team and I worked on a range of projects – our South Northamptonshire Manifesto – to proactively engage on the biggest issues facing residents locally.

You can see my constituency updates below:

Promote Sustainable Development of our Area

Development has always been a key issue for South Northamptonshire, balancing the real need to provide sustainable homes, employment and infrastructure with the preservation of what makes our area so attractive in the first place: the communities and their character coupled with excellent transport links in the very centre of the country. As the Member of Parliament, I sought to represent the views of constituents with concerns across a range of current and proposed developments, and you can read the latest news here:

Following the approval of plans for a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange north of the A508 at Junction 15 of the M1, I continue to hold regular virtual meetings with SEGRO, developer of the SRFI regarding progress of the development. Under their legal obligation they have also set up a liaison group consisting of local stakeholders and members of the community. 

Upgrade our Road Network

The Towcester Relief Road remains a top priority for me, and I am convening regular monthly meetings with key stakeholders to check on progress. I am relentlessly pushing Persimmon, WNC Highways and National Highways to get this road completed as promised in 2025, so that local residents can start to see the benefits of the reduced congestion and improved air quality that will come when the A5 Watling Street is de-trunked. The A5 Watling Street will also see additional speed calming measures and beautification as befits its status as an access road for residents through Towcester.

The pinch point at Farthinghoe is a huge issue for local residents, and I am determined to get this fixed. Whilst the Business Case Review published by WNC in August 2023 revealed that the proposed bypass failed their cost / benefit test, I am working with the local community to find the best alternative solution for the Farthinghoe pinch point.

Please find below my latest updates on roads and highways issues in South Northants:

Fair Compensation and Mitigation from HS2

HS2 continues to be an enormous concern for many residents in South Northamptonshire, particularly across the west of the constituency along the proposed line of route, which in many places looks terrible and is wreaking havoc on our beautiful countryside. I regularly visit different individual constituents who are affected and have taken multiple HS2 ministers and representatives to see the problem areas. I continue to take up individual cases with HS2 and the minister responsible, Huw Merriman MP. As work on the route continues through South Northants I will continue to hold HS2 to account. 

The Chipping Warden bypass has opened after many years of lobbying by the community and me, and the Green Tunnel is also nearly completion. Ever since the HS2 began and I set up the HS2 Liaison Committee for local residents, we have held a bi-monthly meeting with HS2, National Highways, WNC and community representatives to consult on issues such as road closures, HGV traffic and sound and visual barriers. I worked with residents to achieve agreement for the Chipping Warden Bypass, Chipping Warden Green Tunnel,  the Greatworth Green Tunnel and the Radstone Sound Barrier. 

I continue to strongly air my concerns and opposition to this project – and will continue to do so on behalf of my constituents who are adversely affected.

Please find below my latest updates on HS2:

Best Start for Life

Healthcare provision continues to be a priority for residents, and I take up many different issues and concerns with GP and dental provision as well as care at our local hospitals. I was delighted to work with local campaigners to deliver the Brackley Medical Centre. I am determined to deliver the first Family Hub in South Northamptonshire at the Forum in Towcester, supporting local families to give their child the Best Start for Life.