How Can I Help You?

My role as an MP is to represent everyone in Stafford constituency; not just those who voted for me. Whether or not you voted for me or agree with the views of my party, I am your MP and I am still here to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.

Which areas do I represent?

Stafford Constituency includes:

Acton Trussell, Bishops Wood, Bishton, Bradley (until the next General Election), Blymhill, Colwich, Derrington, Dunston, Enson, Gailey, Great Bridgeford, Great Haywood, Hixon (from the next General Election), Hopton, Hyde Lea, Ingestre, Lapley, Levedale, Little Haywood, Marston, Penkridge, Pottal Pool, Seighford, Stafford, Stretton, Tixall, Weston-under-Lizard, Wheaton Aston, Wolseley Bridge, Yarlet

What is my role?

The primary role of MPs is to help with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. Problems often arise with work carried out by central government departments and I will be able to help you with such areas as the National Health Service, benefits, pensions and tax and schools. I encourage you to contact my constituency office in Friar's Terrace, Stafford to find out whether I can help.

What do I do to help you?

There are several ways in which I can resolve your problems. A letter from me to the relevant department or official will often prompt them to take a new look at the situation, which may lead an answer. If this does not work, I may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved, or even making an appointment to see the Minister personally. Many constituents’ problems can be solved in this way but not all problems, of course, have an easy solution. In some cases, where a legislative change is required to resolve a problem, it has taken years of work to bring about the changes a particular constituent wished to see. In other cases it may ultimately be impossible. I have found that for many constituents it is important to feel that everything that can be done has been done. I can help you to ensure that this happens.

If, in the matter that concerns you there has been unnecessary delay, or if some essential procedure has been missed out, for example if there has been maladministration, I may be able to take your case to an Ombudsman (such as the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, the Local Government Ombudsman or the Health Ombudsman).I am able to resolve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence. In some cases, the Ombudsman can only be approached via an MP - in other cases you can approach the Ombudsman directly. But in all cases, I am willing to give my help.

There are situations which arise which are not a matter for your MP. Private disputes with other individuals or with companies who have sold you faulty goods,should for instance be referred to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards. We are currently working on building up the Links page to show you other sources of help in Stafford.

Helping you to help Stafford.

One of the best parts of doing my job as your MP for the last 11 years, has been coming in contact with thousands of people throughout Stafford. This has given me a lot of knowledge of who does what within the constituency. Often the most creative part of my job is to bring about connections between different people, with different ideas and skills, and help them to bring their particular projects to life. If you have ideas about improving the quality of life in your community I will be interested in hearing them.

What is the difference between a councillor and an MP?

My job is to represent the people of Stafford in the national Parliament in London. I am here to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. There are 646 MPs in the United Kingdom. A councillor is elected by local people to represent a ward on the local Council. There are 21,000 councillors in England and Wales.

Your councillor makes decisions affecting the ward and the wider council area and acts as a focus and leader for the local community. Councillors tend to deal with issues relating to schools, social services, housing, planning, waste collection, recycling and disposal, the local environment, and the administration of elections.